Understanding Series and Parallel Circuits

Which of the following statements is true for resistors connected in series?

• A) The total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances.

• B) The total resistance is the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of the individual resistances.

• C) The total current is the same as the current through each resistor.

• D) The voltage across each resistor is the same.

In a parallel circuit, if two resistors with resistances of 4 ohms and 6 ohms are connected in parallel, what is the total resistance?

• A) 2.4 ohms

• B) 10 ohms

• C) 2.67 ohms

• D) 1.5 ohms

What is the total voltage across components connected in series?

• A) The voltage is divided equally among all components.

• B) The total voltage is the sum of the individual voltages across each component.

• C) The voltage is equal to the voltage drop across the component with the highest resistance.

• D) The total voltage is the same as the voltage drop across the component with the lowest resistance.

In a series-parallel circuit, if the total current entering the parallel combination is 10 A, and one branch of the parallel combination carries 4 A, how much current does the other branch carry?

• A) 6 A

• B) 10 A

• C) 4 A

• D) 14 A

When resistors are connected in series, how does the total current through the circuit compare to the current through each individual resistor?

• A) The total current is greater than the current through each resistor.

• B) The total current is less than the current through each resistor.

• C) The total current is the same as the current through each resistor.

• D) The total current is zero.