The same two resistors, wired two ways. Change the connection and see how the battery’s current divides—or stays together.
DC CIRCUIT TRAINER01 / SERIES
Battery 6 V
R₁ 10 Ω · adjustable
R₂ 10 Ω · fixed
Markers follow conventional current, + to −One loop · same current in both loads
Connection
Equivalent resistance20.00 Ω
Battery current0.300 A
Total power1.80 W
R₁ · adjustable load
3.00 V · 0.300 A 0.90 W dissipated
R₂ · fixed load
3.00 V · 0.300 A 0.90 W dissipated
In series, resistances add. Each resistor carries the same current. R_eq = R₁ + R₂ · I = V / R_eq
Ideal DC model: battery and wires have no internal resistance; resistors are ohmic and do not change with temperature. Power becomes heat: P = VI, and the two load powers add to the total. Charge is not consumed. Marker motion is illustrative, not electron speed. Reduced motion keeps markers still without changing the electrical model.