What is the primary use of series resistance in electrical circuits?

The primary use of series resistance in electrical circuits is to limit current. When a resistor is placed in series within a circuit, it introduces resistance to the flow of electric current. According to Ohm's Law, which states that current is equal to voltage divided by resistance (I = V/R), increasing resistance will result in a decrease in current flow for a given voltage. This feature is particularly useful in protecting sensitive components from excessive current, managing power distribution, and ensuring that current remains within safe operating limits.

In contrast, storing energy is typically the function of capacitors or inductors rather than resistors. Increasing voltage is associated with power supplies or transformers, while enhancing capacitance refers specifically to the function of capacitors with no relation to resistors. Thus, the role of series resistance is distinctively centered around its ability to control and limit the current in an electrical circuit.