State the merits and demerits of a series cnmbination of resistors.

Explanation

Merits:
( 1 ) The total resistance in the circuit can be increased by connecting the resistors in series. This decreases the current in the circuit. Thus, to control the current in the circuit, the series combination of resistors is useful.
( 2 ) The fuse is connected in series with AC mains as well as in an electrical appliance and in the domestic electric connection. Therefore, whenever a short circuit occurs in any electrical appliance, the fuse wire melts and stops the electric current. As a result, damage to the electrical appliances can be prevented.
Demerits:
( 1 ) If the electrical applinaces are connected in series, the applied voltage is divided across every appliance, e.g., if three identical bulbs operating on 240V are connected in series with supply voltage of 240V, each bulb gets 80V. Each bulb at 80V cannot give light efficiently as compared to its voltage capacity. In short, they will give dim light.
( 2 ) In a series combination, if a fault occurs in one appliance or the circuit breaks, then the current does not flow in the circuit and hence all other appliances stop working, e.g., if one of the three bulbs gets fused, other two bulbs do not light up.