Which resistor in a series circuit experiences the greatest voltage drop?

Which resistor in a series circuit experiences the greatest voltage drop?

• A. The one with the smallest ohmic value
• B. The one with the largest ohmic value
• C. All resistors equally
• D. None, if the current is zero

Answer: (B)

In a series circuit, the total resistance is the sum of all individual resistances, and the same current flows through each resistor. According to Ohm's Law (V = IR), the voltage drop across a resistor is directly proportional to both the resistance value and the current flowing through it. When considering a series circuit, the resistor with the largest ohmic value will have the greatest voltage drop because the voltage drop is calculated by the product of the current through the resistor and its resistance. Since all resistors carry the same current in a series circuit, a higher resistance results in a greater voltage drop across that particular resistor. Therefore, if you identify the resistor with the largest ohmic value, it will exhibit the highest voltage drop when the circuit is energized. This principle is fundamental in understanding how voltage divides among resistors in series, leading to the conclusion that the resistor with the largest ohmic value indeed experiences the greatest voltage drop.

In a series circuit, the total resistance is the sum of all individual resistances, and the same current flows through each resistor. According to Ohm's Law (V = IR), the voltage drop across a resistor is directly proportional to both the resistance value and the current flowing through it.

When considering a series circuit, the resistor with the largest ohmic value will have the greatest voltage drop because the voltage drop is calculated by the product of the current through the resistor and its resistance. Since all resistors carry the same current in a series circuit, a higher resistance results in a greater voltage drop across that particular resistor.

Therefore, if you identify the resistor with the largest ohmic value, it will exhibit the highest voltage drop when the circuit is energized. This principle is fundamental in understanding how voltage divides among resistors in series, leading to the conclusion that the resistor with the largest ohmic value indeed experiences the greatest voltage drop.