Resistors in Series: Potential Difference

Total Potential Difference in Series Circuit

• When resistors are connected in series, the total potential difference (often referred to as voltage) around the circuit is equal to the potential difference (p.d.) of the supply.
• This relationship reflects the law of conservation of energy.

Conservation of Energy

• The supply voltage represents the energy supplied to each electron in the circuit.
• The p.d. across each component signifies the energy converted by each component.
• Energy supplied equals energy converted; no energy is created or destroyed in the circuit.

Formula for Total Potential Difference (V_total) in Series

• To calculate the total potential difference in a series circuit, sum up the individual potential differences.
• V_total = V₁ + V₂ + V₃ + ...

Incorporating Ohm's Law

• Ohm's Law (V = I * R) can be used to understand potential difference:
  • V represents potential difference (in volts, V).
  • I is the current (in amperes, A) passing through the component.
  • R is the resistance (in ohms, Ω) of the component.

Calculating Total Potential Difference

• In a series circuit, where the current is the same through all resistors:
• V_total = I * (R₁ + R₂ + R₃ + ...)
  • V_total is the total potential difference.
  • I is the current.
  • R₁, R₂, R₃, ... are the resistances of the components.

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Resistors in Series: Potential Difference

In Summary

• In a series circuit, the total potential difference equals the potential difference of the supply.
• This principle aligns with the law of conservation of energy.
• The supply voltage represents the energy given to each electron.
• The potential difference across each component reflects the energy converted.
• The total potential difference can be calculated by adding the potential differences across individual components.
• Ohm's Law (V = I * R) helps relate potential difference, current, and resistance.