Three resistors are connected in series. If the ohmic value of one is increased, what happens to the total resistance of the circuit?

• A. It stays the same
• B. It would decrease
• C. It would increase
• D. It would fluctuate

Answer: (C)

When resistors are connected in series, the total resistance of the circuit is the sum of the individual resistances. This relationship can be mathematically expressed as:

[ R_{total} = R_1 + R_2 + R_3 ]

where ( R_1 ), ( R_2 ), and ( R_3 ) are the resistances of the individual resistors. If the ohmic value of one resistor is increased, it directly adds to the total resistance because it is a part of that summation. As a result, the total resistance of the circuit will increase.

In this situation, the increase in resistance of one component effectively raises the overall resistance encountered by the current flowing through the circuit. Hence, the correct answer reflects the fundamental principle of series circuits, confirming that when any single resistance value is increased, the total resistance automatically goes up.