Two resistors in series, 2 Ω and 8 Ω, what is the total resistance?

Study for the Con Edison Basic Electric Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Two resistors in series, 2 Ω and 8 Ω, what is the total resistance?

Explanation:
In a series path, resistances simply add up because the same current flows through every component one after another. So the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances: 2 Ω + 8 Ω = 10 Ω. This shows why the total is larger than either resistor on its own. Seeing the other numbers, those wouldn’t reflect both resistors in the current path. A single resistor value (2 Ω or 8 Ω) would ignore the other, and a 6 Ω value isn’t how series accumulation works. In a different arrangement, like parallel, the total would be less than the smallest resistor, which isn’t the case here.

In a series path, resistances simply add up because the same current flows through every component one after another. So the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances: 2 Ω + 8 Ω = 10 Ω. This shows why the total is larger than either resistor on its own.

Seeing the other numbers, those wouldn’t reflect both resistors in the current path. A single resistor value (2 Ω or 8 Ω) would ignore the other, and a 6 Ω value isn’t how series accumulation works. In a different arrangement, like parallel, the total would be less than the smallest resistor, which isn’t the case here.

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