Submit

NAVSPROUT LABS · A LITTLE CURIOSITY. A COMPLETE CIRCUIT.

Resistors in series

Every resistor in a single series path carries the same current. Its share of supply voltage is proportional to its resistance.

48 hands-on lessons7 learning pathsFree · no hardware neededOpen the workbench ↓
ELECTRONICS 101Discover · Experiment · Build
Resistors0 / 8
12 / 48 · Resistors
Preparing the local 3D workbench…
2.3 mA

Drag / WASD to pan · Right-drag / Q E to rotate · Scroll to zoom · Select a part to inspect

SUPPLY3.00 V
CURRENT2.27 mA
OUTPUT2.00 V
TIME0.00 s
Live curve
Calculated outputMarker = current time
ONE QUICK CHECK

Series resistances combine by…

Resistors · FIELD NOTES

Understanding resistors in series

Every resistor in a single series path carries the same current. Its share of supply voltage is proportional to its resistance.

1. Set up the experiment

Increase R2 while holding R1 constant. Observe the falling current and the growing voltage share across R2.

2. Connect the result to the equation

R_eq = R1 + R2; I = V / R_eq

Change one parameter at a time and keep the others fixed. Read the signed output and current, then use the curve to distinguish a steady relationship from a changing transient.

Initial supply
3.00 V
Initial current
2.273 mA
Initial output
2.000 V

3. Notice the limits

The sum of resistor voltage drops equals the supply voltage. A break anywhere interrupts the whole series path.

Circuit reference diagram
Power supplyPower supplyR1R1R2R2LEDLED3 V · 2.27 mA

Continue this learning path

Why it’s here

Electronics 101 makes a component change visible: an altered resistance changes a current, a capacitor changes a delay, and a sensor changes a decision. The course guide links each concept to its experiment.

  1. Open Ohm’s law and predict the effect of doubling the voltage.
  2. Change the control and compare the ammeter, curve and equation.
  3. Try RC charging and use the time constant to explain the curve.
  4. Return to the course guide to choose the next experiment.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use every experiment on NavSprout?

Yes. The course guides and workbenches run on NavSprout.

Are these circuit simulations exact?

They are analytic teaching models: ideal sources and switches, fixed diode drops, simple BJT gain and saturation, exponential RC behavior, and illustrative sensor curves. They are not a SPICE solver or construction verification.

Do I need hardware or a login?

No hardware or account is needed. The 3D view needs WebGL, while diagrams, controls and static lessons remain available as alternatives. Progress is stored in this browser and can be exported.

Which current direction is shown?

Moving markers represent conventional current, not electron drift. Their motion is illustrative and is not a measurement of charge velocity.

Model references and scope

Original NavSprout lessons use standard lumped-circuit relationships and explicitly simplified component models. Diagrams explain teaching topologies, while the breadboard probe explains socket continuity. The workbench is not a verified physical assembly plan.

OpenStax: resistor networks ↗OpenStax: RC circuits ↗BJT switching reference ↗
MAKE A THOUGHTFUL CHOICE

Your shortlist, side by side.

Pricing models are indicative. Check each official website for current plans and limits.