What is the effect of adding resistors in series on the total resistance?

When resistors are added in series, the total resistance experienced by the electric circuit is the sum of the individual resistances. This is because the current flowing through the circuit must pass through each resistor in the series, encountering the resistance of each one consecutively.

The formula for calculating total resistance in a series circuit is:

R_total = R1 + R2 + R3 + ... + Rn

where R1, R2, R3, etc., represent the individual resistances of each resistor in the series. Each additional resistor adds its value to the total, thereby increasing the overall resistance.

For instance, if you have two resistors of 3 ohms and 5 ohms connected in series, the total resistance would be 3 + 5 = 8 ohms. This increase in total resistance impacts the current flow through the circuit as per Ohm's Law (V = IR), where a higher resistance will result in lower current for a given voltage.

Thus, the correct answer highlights that adding resistors in series results in an increase in total resistance.