In a series circuit, which statement is true about the current and voltage across components?

In a series circuit, which statement is true about the current and voltage across components?

• A. The currents through each component add up to the source current
• B. The voltages across all components equal the source voltage
• C. The same current flows through all components
• D. The same current flows through all components, and the sum of the voltage drops equals the source voltage

Answer: (D)

In a series circuit there is a single path for current, so the same current flows through every component. The voltages across the components can be different, depending on each component’s resistance, but their sum must equal the source voltage. This is why the correct statement combines both ideas: the same current flows through all components, and the sum of the voltage drops across them equals the source voltage. The other ideas don’t fit because current in series does not add up to a separate source current, and a single component’s voltage drop is not equal to the source voltage unless there’s only one component.

In a series circuit there is a single path for current, so the same current flows through every component. The voltages across the components can be different, depending on each component’s resistance, but their sum must equal the source voltage. This is why the correct statement combines both ideas: the same current flows through all components, and the sum of the voltage drops across them equals the source voltage. The other ideas don’t fit because current in series does not add up to a separate source current, and a single component’s voltage drop is not equal to the source voltage unless there’s only one component.