What happens to total resistance in a series circuit when more resistors are added?

In a series circuit, when more resistors are added, the total resistance increases. This occurs because the total resistance (R_total) in a series circuit is calculated by simply adding the resistance values of each individual resistor together. The formula is:

R_total = R1 + R2 + R3 + ... + Rn

As resistors are added to the circuit, you are essentially providing additional opposition to the flow of electric current. Each resistor contributes its own resistance, and thus the overall opposition increases.

In practical terms, if you have a circuit consisting of two resistors, adding a third one means that the total resistance experienced by the current increases further, which would lead to a decrease in the overall current flowing through the circuit according to Ohm's Law (I = V/R). This behavior is fundamental to understanding how series circuits operate, as it demonstrates the cumulative effect of resistive components on the flow of electricity.