When two 10 kΩ resistors are connected in series with a third 10 kΩ resistor, what is the total resistance?

When resistors are connected in series, the total resistance is simply the sum of the individual resistances. In this case, you have two 10 kΩ resistors and a third 10 kΩ resistor connected in series.

To find the total resistance, you add the resistances together:

10 kΩ + 10 kΩ + 10 kΩ = 30 kΩ.

Thus, the total resistance of the combination is 30 kΩ. It’s important to remember that the series connection leads to an accumulation of resistance since the current must pass through each resistor one after another, resulting in an additive effect on the total resistance. This fundamental principle of series circuits clarifies why the total resistance is not 10 kΩ, 20 kΩ, or 15 kΩ, as these options fail to account for the complete summation of all resistances involved in the series circuit.