The sum of the voltage drops in a series circuit equals the __.
a. Amperage
b. Resistance
c. Source voltage
d. Wattage
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: c. Source voltage
Explanation:
In a series circuit, the sum of the voltage drops across all the components (such as resistors, capacitors, or inductors) is always equal to the total source voltage provided by the power supply. This principle follows Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL), which states:
“The sum of the electromotive forces (emf) and the sum of voltage drops in a closed loop is equal to zero.”
In simpler terms, the total voltage supplied by the battery or power source is distributed across the components in the circuit.
How It Works:
- Voltage Division: In a series circuit, each component has a certain resistance that causes a voltage drop. The voltage drop depends on the resistance and the current flowing through the circuit.
- Current is Constant: Since it is a series circuit, the same current flows through all the components. However, the voltage drops vary according to each component’s resistance.
- Mathematical Representation: Vsource=V1+V2+V3+…+VnV_{source} = V_1 + V_2 + V_3 + … + V_n where:
- VsourceV_{source} is the total voltage supplied by the source,
- V1,V2,V3,…,VnV_1, V_2, V_3,…, V_n are the voltage drops across each component.
Example:
If a 12V battery powers a series circuit with three resistors, and the voltage drops across the resistors are 3V, 4V, and 5V, then: 3V+4V+5V=12V3V + 4V + 5V = 12V
This confirms that the total voltage drop equals the source voltage.
Thus, in any series circuit, the sum of the voltage drops is always equal to the source voltage.
Now, I’ll generate an image illustrating a series circuit with voltage drops across resistors.
Here is an educational diagram illustrating a series circuit with a battery and three resistors, showing voltage drops and Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law in action. Let me know if you need any modifications or explanations!
