How does a series circuit behave with respect to voltage?

In a series circuit, the behavior of voltage is characterized by the principle that the total voltage supplied by the source is divided among all the components connected in the circuit. This means that the voltage across each component can vary, but when you sum the individual voltages across these components, it will equal the total voltage provided by the power source.

For example, if you have a series circuit with a battery providing 12 volts and two resistors, the 12 volts will divide between the resistors based on their resistance values. If one resistor has a higher resistance than the other, it will drop a larger portion of the total voltage. This is in contrast to a parallel circuit, where each component receives the same voltage directly from the power supply.

This understanding of how voltage behaves in a series circuit is essential for analyzing and designing electrical circuits, as it influences how components are rated and how they function within the circuit. The sum of the voltage drops equals the total voltage supplied, tying directly to Kirchhoff's voltage law, a fundamental principle in electrical engineering.