Total power in a series circuit equals:

In a series circuit, the current remains constant through all components, while the voltage can differ across each element depending on their resistance. The total power in this type of circuit is calculated based on how the individual resistors dissipate power. The power dissipated by each resistor is given by the formula P = I²R, where I is the current flowing through the resistor and R is its resistance.

Since voltage is divided among resistors in series, the sum of the power dissipation across each resistor gives you the total power consumed in the circuit. Therefore, calculating the total power as the sum of the power dissipated by each resistor accurately reflects the overall energy consumption in the circuit.

The other options do not correctly define the total power in a series circuit. While the product of voltage and current can define power in general for any circuit, it does not take into account the specifics of how that power is distributed across multiple resistors in series. The energy stored and maximum power available are concepts related to different aspects of circuit behavior and are not used to calculate total power in a series circuit.