What defines series circuits?

Series circuits are defined by having only one path for the current to flow. In such a circuit, all components are connected end-to-end, which means the same current flows through each component. This configuration is crucial because it implies that if one component fails or is disconnected, the entire circuit is interrupted and the current will cease to flow.

The single path characteristic leads to a situation where the total voltage across the circuit is the sum of the individual voltages across each component, and the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances. This is an important concept in understanding how series circuits behave compared to other types of circuits, such as parallel circuits, where multiple paths for current flow exist.