In a series circuit, how is total resistance calculated?

In a series circuit, the total resistance is calculated by summing all the individual resistances of the components connected in the circuit. This is because, in a series arrangement, the current flowing through each component is the same, and thus, each resistor contributes to the overall resistance faced by the current.

Since the resistors are in a single path, the total resistance can be found using the formula ( R_{total} = R_1 + R_2 + R_3 + \ldots + R_n ). Each resistor adds to the opposition to the flow of current, leading to an increase in the total resistance as the number of resistors increases.

This summation is distinct from the other options which describe different methods or characteristics that do not apply to the context of calculating total resistance in a series circuit. For example, averaging the resistances does not accurately reflect the total opposition in the circuit as it disregards the cumulative effect of each resistor. Similarly, identifying the highest resistance or finding the difference between resistances does not provide an appropriate measure for the total resistance experienced by the circuit.