In a series circuit, what happens to voltage and current?

In a series circuit, what happens to voltage and current?

• A. Voltage is shared between components, yet current stays the same.
• B. Voltage stays the same across all components.
• C. Voltage is added to the current.
• D. Current is divided among components.

Answer: (A)

In a series circuit there is only one path for current, so the same current flows through every component. The total supply voltage is shared among the components, with each dropping a portion of the voltage proportional to its resistance (V = IR). The sum of these individual voltages equals the source voltage. So voltage is shared between components, while the current stays the same throughout the loop. This contrasts with parallel circuits, where the voltage across each branch is the same and the current divides among branches.

In a series circuit there is only one path for current, so the same current flows through every component. The total supply voltage is shared among the components, with each dropping a portion of the voltage proportional to its resistance (V = IR). The sum of these individual voltages equals the source voltage. So voltage is shared between components, while the current stays the same throughout the loop. This contrasts with parallel circuits, where the voltage across each branch is the same and the current divides among branches.