Question

Why is rheostat connected in series?

Answer 1

Rheostat: The rheostat is a variable resistor that varies the current flowing in an electric circuit by manually varying the value of resistance of the rheostat.

Explanation:

1. A rheostat is used to change the resistance of a circuit in order to change the current flowing through the circuit.
2. By Ohm's law, we know that current and resistance are inversely proportional, and current decreases with the increase in resistance and vice-versa.
3. In series connection since overall resistance is the sum of the individual resistance value of each resistor. So it will be easy in a series connection to vary the resistance of the whole circuit.

So in order to vary the current flowing through the circuit, the rheostat has to be connected in series.

Hence, the rheostat is connected in series.