What is a series circuit?

What is a series circuit?

• A. A circuit with multiple paths for current.
• B. A circuit in which the current has only one path; the same current flows through all components.
• C. A circuit that never powers devices.
• D. A circuit with a broken path.

Answer: (B)

In a series circuit there is only one path for current to travel from the power source through each component in turn and back. Because the loop is a single line, the same amount of current flows through every component. If that path is broken anywhere, the current stops everywhere and no part of the circuit can power the devices. This is different from circuits with multiple paths, where current can split among branches, and it’s not describing a circuit that never powers devices or one with a broken path. So the description that fits a series circuit is: the current has only one path, and the same current flows through all components.

In a series circuit there is only one path for current to travel from the power source through each component in turn and back. Because the loop is a single line, the same amount of current flows through every component. If that path is broken anywhere, the current stops everywhere and no part of the circuit can power the devices. This is different from circuits with multiple paths, where current can split among branches, and it’s not describing a circuit that never powers devices or one with a broken path. So the description that fits a series circuit is: the current has only one path, and the same current flows through all components.