In a series circuit, how is voltage distributed among components?

In a series circuit, how is voltage distributed among components?

• A. Voltage across each component is proportional to its resistance
• B. Voltage is the same across the entire circuit
• C. Voltage varies randomly from component to component
• D. Voltage across each component is shared equally

Answer: (D)

In a series circuit, the same current flows through every component, and the voltage across each component is determined by V = IR. Since the current is the same for all parts, the voltage drop on each component is proportional to its resistance. So a component with higher resistance will take a larger share of the total voltage, while a component with lower resistance takes a smaller share. Only when all components have the same resistance will their voltage drops be equal. The total voltage across the series is the sum of the individual drops, not the same voltage across each part.

In a series circuit, the same current flows through every component, and the voltage across each component is determined by V = IR. Since the current is the same for all parts, the voltage drop on each component is proportional to its resistance. So a component with higher resistance will take a larger share of the total voltage, while a component with lower resistance takes a smaller share. Only when all components have the same resistance will their voltage drops be equal. The total voltage across the series is the sum of the individual drops, not the same voltage across each part.