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Current in a series circuit

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 2 of 41 on Fundamentals of Electricity and Electronics. ACS element AM.I.A.K14 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONIn a series circuit containing several resistors of different values, how does the current compare at different points in the circuit?

  1. AIt is the same at every point
  2. BIt is greatest through the largest resistor
  3. CIt divides in proportion to each resistance
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. It is the same at every point

  • A — correct The handbook states that in a series circuit the current cannot be different at different points; it is the same through each element.
  • B — incorrect The largest resistor has the largest voltage drop, not the largest current; the current is identical through every series element.
  • C — incorrect Current divides among branches only in a parallel circuit; a series circuit has a single path.

BACKGROUND

A series circuit has its components connected end to end so that there is only one path for current. Because of this, the current through a series circuit is always the same through each element and at any point in the circuit. What differs from resistor to resistor is the voltage drop, which by Ohm's Law equals the common current multiplied by each resistance. The source voltage equals the sum of the individual voltage drops, and voltage sources connected in series add algebraically, with polarity taken into account.

STUDY TIP

For series circuits, fix the current first; then every voltage drop follows from E = I x R.

KEY POINTS

  • A series circuit has one current path.
  • The current is the same at every point and through every element.
  • Voltage drops differ and add up to the source voltage.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch12 "Series DC Circuits" (current the same through each element)
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.