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Series Combination

In a series combination, components are connected end to end in a single path for current.

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Student-friendly explanation

Since there is only one path, the same current passes through every component. The total resistance becomes the sum of individual resistances, and the supply voltage gets divided among the components. Series connection is simple, but one break stops the whole circuit.

How to write this in exams

  1. 1

    Start with the exact idea

    In a series combination, components are connected end to end in a single path for current.

  2. 2

    Then show how to use it

    1. Check that there is only one path. 2. Add all resistances. 3. State that current is the same everywhere. 4. Mention that voltage divides across the components.

  3. 3

    Add one concrete example

    If 2 ohm and 3 ohm resistors are connected in series, total resistance is 5 ohm.

  4. 4

    Avoid this incomplete answer

    A common wrong answer is to say current divides equally in series. That is wrong because there is no branching in a series circuit.

Definition

In a series combination, components are connected end to end in a single path for current.

Example

If 2 ohm and 3 ohm resistors are connected in series, total resistance is 5 ohm.

Rule to remember

For series resistors, Rs = R1 + R2 + R3 ... and current is the same through all components.

Memory hook

Series means one road, one current.

Examples and method

Worked example

For resistors of 4 ohm, 6 ohm, and 10 ohm in series, total resistance = 4 + 6 + 10 = 20 ohm.

Method to apply

1. Check that there is only one path. 2. Add all resistances. 3. State that current is the same everywhere. 4. Mention that voltage divides across the components.

Diagram support

Draw a single path with resistors placed one after another, showing the same current arrow through each element.

How CBSE asks it

Asked in numericals on total resistance, or in reasoning questions comparing current and voltage in series.

Avoid common mistakes

Common confusion

Students often think current divides in series, which is actually the rule for parallel branches.

Common wrong answer

A common wrong answer is to say current divides equally in series. That is wrong because there is no branching in a series circuit.

Exam tip

Remember one path, same current, and added resistance in series circuits.

Quick check

What happens to the current through each resistor in a series circuit?

The current remains the same through every resistor because a series circuit has only one path for charge flow.

Study the series combination diagram carefully

Use the labelled diagram to keep series combination clear in short answers and revision.

What this diagram makes clear

This diagram keeps the labels and direction of series combination in the right order.

Where this helps in exams

Use this for labelled diagram work and short exam answers on series combination.

Revision cue

Revise series combination through the labels before writing the answer.

Answer writing and exam use

1-mark answer

In a series combination, components are connected end to end in a single path for current.

2-mark answer

In a series combination, components are connected end to end in a single path for current. For series resistors, Rs = R1 + R2 + R3 ... and current is the same through all components. If 2 ohm and 3 ohm resistors are connected in series, total resistance is 5 ohm.

3-mark answer

Since there is only one path, the same current passes through every component. The total resistance becomes the sum of individual resistances, and the supply voltage gets divided among the components. Series connection is simple, but one break stops the whole circuit. For series resistors, Rs = R1 + R2 + R3 ... and current is the same through all components. For resistors of 4 ohm, 6 ohm, and 10 ohm in series, total resistance = 4 + 6 + 10 = 20 ohm. Asked in numericals on total resistance, or in reasoning questions comparing current and voltage in series. A common wrong answer is to say current divides equally in series. That is wrong because there is no branching in a series circuit.
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