Total Power Formula In Series Circuit

In a series circuit, the total power dissipated is equal to the sum of the power dissipated by each individual resistor. This is because the current is the same in all parts of a series circuit, so the power dissipated by each resistor is proportional to its resistance. The total power dissipated in a series circuit can be calculated using the following formula:

``` P = I^2R ```

where P is the power in watts, I is the current in amps, and R is the resistance in ohms.

For example, consider a series circuit consisting of three resistors, each with a resistance of 10 ohms. If the current in the circuit is 2 amps, then the total power dissipated will be:

``` P = (2)^2 * 10 = 40 watts ```

It is important to note that the total power dissipated in a series circuit is always greater than the power dissipated by any individual resistor. This is because the current is the same in all parts of a series circuit, so the power dissipated by each resistor is proportional to its resistance. The total power dissipated in a series circuit is also greater than the power dissipated by a parallel circuit with the same total resistance.

The total power formula for a series circuit can be used to calculate the power dissipated by any series circuit, regardless of the number of resistors in the circuit. This formula can also be used to determine the maximum power rating of a resistor that can be used in a series circuit.

Calculating Electric Power