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A circuit contains a single loop with one source and several elements as shown. Why does the sum of the listed drops $V_1$ through $V_7$ equal the source voltage $V_s$? ![](https://qallery.app/diagrams/v2_3551268687c2/img-001.jpeg)

ABecause current is the same everywhere in all circuits
BBecause the source creates charge at a rate equal to voltage drops
CBecause energy gained by a charge from the source is exactly lost across the elements in one complete loop
DBecause resistances in a loop always add to zero
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. Because energy gained by a charge from the source is exactly lost across the elements in one complete loop
In one complete traversal of the loop, a charge gains energy from the source and then loses that same energy across the circuit elements. Conservation of energy gives $V_s=V_1+V_2+V_3+V_4+V_5+V_6+V_7$. Option A is too broad, and B and D are physically incorrect. ![](https://qallery.app/diagrams/v2_3551268687c2/img-001.jpeg)
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