[amp_mcq option1=”The current always has the same amplitude and phase for every part of the circuit” option2=”The total current is equal to the sum of the currents for the resistance and capacitance” option3=”The total current is greater than the sum of the currents for the resistance and capacitance” option4=”The total current is less than the sum of the currents for the resistance and capacitance E. None of the above” correct=”option2″]
The correct answer is: B. The total current is equal to the sum of the currents for the resistance and capacitance.
In a series RC circuit, the current through the resistance and the current through the capacitance are always equal in magnitude but opposite in phase. This is because the voltage across the resistance and the voltage across the capacitance are always equal in magnitude but opposite in phase. The total current is therefore the sum of the currents through the resistance and the capacitance.
Option A is incorrect because the current through the resistance and the current through the capacitance can have different amplitudes.
Option C is incorrect because the total current can never be greater than the sum of the currents for the resistance and capacitance.
Option D is incorrect because the total current can never be less than the sum of the currents for the resistance and capacitance.
Option E is incorrect because the statement in option B is true.