When in a series circuit, how is overall resistance calculated?

In a series circuit, the overall resistance is calculated by summing all individual resistances. This occurs because, in a series configuration, the current flowing through each component is the same. Therefore, the total resistance faced by the current is the cumulative effect of each component's resistance.

When resistors are connected in series, their resistances simply add together, creating a higher total resistance than any single resistor. This principle is essential in circuit analysis because it allows you to determine how much total resistance will impede the current. Understanding this concept is foundational when working with electrical systems, particularly in applications where managing current flow is critical, such as in appliances and equipment utilizing gas.