What is the formula for total inductance in a series circuit?

In a series circuit, the total inductance is calculated by simply adding the individual inductances together. The formula reflects the principle that inductors in series share the same current, and the total inductance increases with each additional inductor. The combined effect is linear, meaning that L equals the sum of all inductances present in the circuit.

This linear addition signifies that the overall opposition to changes in current increases as more inductors are added in series, thus affecting the overall inductive reactance of the circuit. As a result, if you were to take individual inductance values (L1, L2, L3, etc.) and add them together, you get the total inductance ( L ).

The other options present alternative calculations that are not applicable to inductance in series:

• Multiplication, subtraction, or reciprocal calculations do not apply in the context of simple inductive circuits, where the contribution of each inductor is additive. Thus, the correct expression (the sum of inductances) is the foundation for understanding how inductors work collectively in a series configuration.