Science (086) — AI-generated practice question

Resistance opposes the flow of electric current through a conductor. In a series combination, resistors are joined end to end, so the same current must pass through each resistor one after another, experiencing opposition from every resistor in its path.

The equivalent resistance is given by:
$$R_s = R_1 + R_2 + R_3$$

Since all individual resistances are positive values, their sum must be greater than any single resistance alone. Each additional resistor adds more opposition to current flow, so $R_s$ is always greater than $R_1$, $R_2$, or $R_3$ individually.

Source: Chapter 11, Section 11.6.1

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Examiners look for three things here:

1. What resistance means — it opposes/resists current flow (don't just say "it's a property").
2. Why series adds resistances — same current passes through each resistor sequentially, facing opposition at every stage.
3. The formula $R_s = R_1 + R_2 + R_3$ with the logical conclusion that a sum of positive numbers exceeds any one term.

Avoid vague statements like "resistance increases." Tie it directly to the physics: sequential opposition experienced by the same current.