In a series circuit with three resistors, how does the total voltage relate to the individual voltages across each resistor?

In a series circuit, the total voltage supplied by the power source is distributed across the individual resistors. This distribution is such that the sum of the voltages across each resistor equals the total voltage provided by the source. This principle is a direct consequence of Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law, which states that the sum of the electrical potential differences (voltage) in any closed loop of a circuit is equal to the total voltage provided in that loop.

When resistors are connected in series, the same current flows through each resistor. Consequently, the voltage drop across each resistor is determined by its resistance value, following Ohm's Law (V = IR), where 'V' is the voltage, 'I' is the current, and 'R' is the resistance. Therefore, each resistor will contribute some voltage to the total, leading to the relationship where the total voltage is indeed the sum of the individual voltages.

This understanding is crucial for analyzing and calculating the behavior of series circuits, particularly when determining voltage drops across resistors of varying resistances.