What is a characteristic of a series circuit?

A series circuit is defined by its configuration, where all electrical components are connected end to end in a single continuous loop. This characteristic means that the same current flows through each component sequentially. If one component fails or is removed, the entire circuit will be interrupted, and no current will flow. This aspect distinguishes series circuits from parallel circuits, where components are connected alongside each other, providing multiple paths for the electrical current to travel.

In a series circuit, the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances of the components, which affects the current and voltage distribution throughout the circuit. Understanding this fundamental layout is crucial for analyzing how a series circuit operates compared to other configurations.