Current \(I_{\text {in }}\) flows into three resistors connected together one after the other as shown in Figure Q23.3. The accompanying graph shows the value of the potential as a function of position.

a. Is \(I_{\text {out }}\) greater than, less than, or equal to \(I_{\text {in }}\) ? Explain.

b. Rank in order, from largest to smallest, the three resistances \(R_{1}, R_{2}\), and \(R_{3}\). Explain.

V R R R3 lout FIGURE Q23.3 Position