How are components connected in a series circuit?

In a series circuit, components are connected to the power source end-to-end in a linear configuration. This means that the current flows through each component sequentially, from the power source to the first component, then to the second, and so forth, until it returns to the power source.

This configuration ensures that the same current flows through all components, which causes the total resistance of the circuit to be the sum of the individual resistances. Should one component fail or be removed, the entire circuit is broken, and current cannot flow, making it important for applications where consistent current flow is needed across all components.

Other connection patterns like circular or branching do not accurately describe how series circuits operate. In a circular pattern, components would be arranged in a loop, while a branching pattern characterizes parallel circuits, where components share common connections to the power source. Perpendicular connections would suggest a layout that does not align with the straightforward linearity that defines series circuits.