How do you find the total resistance in a series circuit?

To find the total resistance in a series circuit, the correct method involves adding up all individual resistances. In a series circuit, the current flows through each resistor sequentially, meaning that the total resistance encountered by the current is simply the sum of the resistances of each component. This is based on Ohm's Law, which states that voltage (V) is equal to current (I) times resistance (R). In a series connection, as the current remains constant, each resistance contributes to the overall opposition to the current flow. Thus, to calculate the total resistance, you take each resistor's value and add them together.

This method is fundamental in circuit analysis and remains consistent regardless of the values of individual resistances. The other methods mentioned, such as multiplication or averaging, do not apply to series circuits and would not yield the correct total resistance. Adding the resistances ensures that all resistive effects are properly accounted for, leading to accurate calculations when analyzing series circuits.