What is the main difference between a series circuit and a parallel circuit?

The main distinction between a series circuit and a parallel circuit lies in their configuration. In a series circuit, components are connected end-to-end in a single path for the current to flow. This means that the same current flows through all components in the circuit, and the total voltage across the circuit is the sum of the voltages across each component. If any one component fails or is disconnected, the entire circuit is broken, and current can no longer flow.

This end-to-end connection is fundamental to how series circuits operate and distinguishes them from parallel circuits, where components are connected across the same voltage source but have multiple paths for current to flow. Understanding this key connection method is crucial, as it influences various factors such as voltage distribution, current flow, and overall circuit behavior.

Other choices may describe characteristics of these circuits but do not capture the primary difference in their arrangement and how they manage electrical flow.