What is the formula for total resistance in a series circuit?

In a series circuit, the total resistance is calculated by simply summing the individual resistances of the components connected in that circuit. When resistors are connected in series, the current flowing through each resistor is the same, and the total voltage across the series combination is equal to the sum of the voltages across each resistor.

This means that if you have multiple resistors, you add their resistances together to find the total resistance encountered by the current. The formula R_total = R_1 + R_2 + R_3 effectively captures this principle; it indicates that each resistor contributes additively to the overall resistance in the circuit.

Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing electrical circuits, as total resistance affects the overall current flow according to Ohm's Law, where the current (I) is equal to the total voltage (V) divided by the total resistance (R_total).