In a simple series circuit, which statement is true about voltages?

In a simple series circuit, which statement is true about voltages?

• A. The algebraic sum of the voltages around the circuit is zero.
• B. The algebraic sum of the currents around the circuit is zero.
• C. The algebraic sum of the voltages around the circuit equals the total current.
• D. The algebraic sum of the currents in series components is zero.

Answer: (B)

In a simple series circuit, the same current flows through every component. Because there’s only one path for the current and charge cannot accumulate on a steady loop, the currents along the loop balance as you go around it. If you assign a direction and walk the loop, the current contributions cancel out, giving a net algebraic sum of zero. This reflects current conservation on a closed path. The emphasis here is on how current is constant throughout the series path and returns to the source, not on voltages. (Note that for voltages, the sum around a closed loop is zero according to Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law, and the current value isn’t added up across components.)

In a simple series circuit, the same current flows through every component. Because there’s only one path for the current and charge cannot accumulate on a steady loop, the currents along the loop balance as you go around it. If you assign a direction and walk the loop, the current contributions cancel out, giving a net algebraic sum of zero. This reflects current conservation on a closed path. The emphasis here is on how current is constant throughout the series path and returns to the source, not on voltages. (Note that for voltages, the sum around a closed loop is zero according to Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law, and the current value isn’t added up across components.)