SERIES CIRCUIT

By Mr. Anthony P. Corado

 SERIES CIRCUIT
 The term SERIES can be defined as
a set of things or events arranged in
order or considered together. It is
synonymous to sequence, string,
and succession. In a series
connection, components are
connected in sequence or arranged
in order in one string.
CONSTANT CURRENT
 THE TOTAL RESISTANCE
 In a series circuit, resistors are
connected consecutively thus we
attain the total resistance to be the
summation of the individual
resistance. We now have the
formula:
 RT = R1 + R 2 + R3 …
 VOLTAGE IN EACH RESISTANCE
 The resistance is directly
proportional to the voltage: higher
resistance results to higher
voltage…
 The voltage in each resistance is
attained thru the formula:
 V 1 = I1 x R 1 ; V 2 = I2 x R 2 ;
V 3 = I3 x R 3
 How do we solve for the unknown
components of a series circuit?
 Analyze the problem.
 Note the unknown components.
 Choose the appropriate formula that matches
the unknown.
 CURRENT is always constant during the
process.
 DO NOT FORGET TO WRITE THE FORMULA,
SOLUTION AND FINAL ANSWER WITH
APPROPRIATE UNIT.
Sample Problem:
A circuit has a voltage source of 12 V with three
resistors connected in series having a value of 10
Ω, 20 Ω and 30 Ω respectively. Determine the
total amount of current, and individual amount of
voltage in each resistors.
 Anaysis
Let us first analyze the problem. It is noted that there are
three resistors connected in series, 10 Ω, 20 Ω and 30 Ω
respectively and that the total amount of voltage is 12
volts. Now, remember, since the circuit is connected in
series, the CURRENT is constant because THERE IS
ONLY ONE PATH FOR IT TO TRAVEL. Thus, we have
the formula: IT = I1 = I2 = I3 … But we cannot
immediately solve for the current unless you have the
total resistance in which the formula is: RT = R1 + R2 +
R3 … And after attaining the RT and IT, we can solve for
the individual voltage which is V1, V2 and V3.
 Solution
First we solve for the total resistance using the formula: RT = R1 + R2 + R3
RT = R1 + R2 + R3 = 10 Ω + 20 Ω + 30 Ω
RT =60 Ω
Then, we solve for the total amount of current in the circuit, using the
Ohm’s law formula: IT = VT / RT.
IT = VT / RT = 12V/60 Ω
IT = 0.2 A or 200mA

Finally, for the voltage in each resistor: V1 = I1 x R1; V2 = I2 x R2 and

V3 = I3 x R3. Current is constant, therefore, we have only one value of
current.
V1 = I1 x R1 = (0.2A)(10 Ω) = 2V
V2 = I2 x R2 = (0.2A)(20 Ω) = 4V
V3 = I3 x R3 = (0.2A)(30 Ω) = 6V
 Be Aware!!!!
TO KNOW IF YOUR ANSWER IS CORRECT,
THE SUM OF THE INDIVIDUAL VOLTAGE
SHOULD BE EQUAL TO THE TOTAL VOLTAGE:
VT= V1+V2+V3 = 2V + 4V + 6 V. VT = 12 V.
THEREFORE, YOUR ANSWER IS CORRECT.
AND, THE CONCEPT ON THE
PROPORTIONALITY OF RESISTANCE AND
VOLTAGE IS SHOWN IN YOUR SOLUTION.