When two or more sources are connected series-opposing, the applied voltage may be less than the largest source.

When two or more sources are connected series-opposing, the applied voltage may be less than the largest source.

• A. It depends on the internal resistance
• B. False
• C. True
• D. It always equals zero

Answer: (C)

When two voltage sources are connected in series-opposing, their voltages act against each other, so you don’t simply add them—you subtract. The total voltage across the pair is the algebraic sum, which for opposing sources equals the larger voltage minus the smaller one. That means the net applied voltage can indeed be smaller than the largest individual source. For example, 12 V and 5 V opposing yield a net of 7 V. If they’re equal, the net is zero. Real sources have internal resistance, which can further influence the actual voltage under load, but the core idea remains: opposing voltages subtract, so the resulting voltage can be less than the biggest source.

When two voltage sources are connected in series-opposing, their voltages act against each other, so you don’t simply add them—you subtract. The total voltage across the pair is the algebraic sum, which for opposing sources equals the larger voltage minus the smaller one. That means the net applied voltage can indeed be smaller than the largest individual source. For example, 12 V and 5 V opposing yield a net of 7 V. If they’re equal, the net is zero. Real sources have internal resistance, which can further influence the actual voltage under load, but the core idea remains: opposing voltages subtract, so the resulting voltage can be less than the biggest source.