How is the total voltage across a series circuit calculated?

The total voltage across a series circuit is calculated by adding the voltage drops across each component. In a series circuit, the same amount of current flows through each component, and each component has its own resistance, which causes a voltage drop according to Ohm’s Law (V = IR). By summing these individual voltage drops, you arrive at the total voltage present in the circuit.

This method reflects the fundamental nature of series circuits, where the total voltage is applied across all components connected in a single path. If any component's voltage drop is accounted for, this ensures that all parts of the circuit are taken into consideration, leading to an accurate representation of the total voltage. This principle is critical for understanding how voltage distributes across components in a circuit and directly influences circuit design and analysis.