What type of electrical circuit is characterized by components arranged in a single path?

A series circuit is characterized by all components being arranged in a single path, meaning that the current flows through each component one after the other. This arrangement results in a single pathway for the electrical flow, which means that if one component fails or is disconnected, the entire circuit becomes inoperable. In a series circuit, the voltage across the circuit is divided among the components based on their resistance, while the current remains consistent throughout the circuit. This is a fundamental concept in electricity, showcasing how the configuration of a circuit affects the flow of current and the behavior of components within the circuit.

In contrast, a parallel circuit has multiple pathways for electricity to flow, allowing components to operate independently. A complex circuit may utilize both series and parallel arrangements, and an open circuit is one that is incomplete, preventing current from flowing at all. These distinctions clarify why only a series circuit is defined by a singular path for electrical flow.