What does the series connection of resistors do to total resistance?

When resistors are connected in series, the total resistance of the circuit is calculated by simply adding the resistance values of each individual resistor together. This means that the overall resistance increases as more resistors are added in series. The reason for this increase is due to the fact that each resistor presents a barrier to the flow of current; therefore, the more resistors there are, the more total opposition exists to the flow of current. As a result, the total resistance becomes the sum of all resistances in the circuit.

Series connection emphasizes this additive property, which is distinct from how resistors behave when arranged in parallel, where the total resistance actually decreases due to the multiple paths available for current to flow. Thus, the notion that connecting resistors in series increases total resistance is a fundamental principle in electrical circuit analysis.