What occurs to the total resistance when resistors are added in series?

When resistors are connected in series, the total resistance is the sum of all the individual resistances. This is due to the fact that the same current flows through each resistor sequentially, and each resistor contributes to the overall opposition to that current.

Mathematically, this can be expressed as:

Total Resistance (R_total) = R1 + R2 + R3 + ... + Rn

Since each resistor adds an additional amount of resistance, the more resistors you add in series, the greater the total resistance becomes. This increased resistance leads to a decreased current flow for a given voltage, following Ohm's Law (V = IR).

Understanding this concept is essential when designing circuits, as it helps predict how adding components will affect circuit performance.