In a series circuit, components are connected end-to-end, forming a single loop. There is only one path for the current to take. If that path is broken, the entire circuit fails.

Audio Explanation

Prefer to listen? Here's a simple explanation of how electricity flows in a series circuit.

Visual Representation

R1 R2 R3

The Rules of Series

  1. Current is Constant: The current is the same through every component ($I_{total} = I_1 = I_2 = I_3$).
  2. Add Resistance: Total resistance increases as you add components ($R_{eq} = R_1 + R_2 + R_3$).
  3. Shared Voltage: The total voltage is split among the components ($V_{total} = V_1 + V_2 + V_3$).

Interactive Series Simulator

Add more bulbs to the series loop. Watch how the total current decreases and the bulbs grow dimmer with each addition.

💡 Quick Concept Check:

If one bulb in a series of Christmas lights burns out, what happens to the rest of the bulbs?

Click to Reveal Answer
They all **go out**. Because there is only one path for the current, a single broken component acts like an open switch, stopping the flow for the entire circuit.
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