What characterizes a series circuit?

A series circuit is characterized by having only one path for current to flow. In a series circuit, all components are connected end-to-end, forming a single pathway for the electric current. This means that the same current flows through all components in the circuit, and if one component fails or is disconnected, it interrupts the flow for the entire circuit.

Understanding this characteristic is important because it influences how the components behave. For instance, the total resistance in a series circuit is the sum of the individual resistances, which affects the overall current according to Ohm's Law. Any change in one component impacts the entire circuit, which is a defining feature of series circuits compared to parallel circuits, where multiple pathways allow for individual components to operate independently.