Which circuit provides a single path of current by connecting components end to end?

Which circuit provides a single path of current by connecting components end to end?

• A. Parallel circuit
• B. Series circuit
• C. Open circuit
• D. Closed circuit

Answer: (B)

Having a single path for current means all components are connected end to end in one continuous loop. This arrangement is a series circuit. In a series circuit the same current flows through every component because there is only one route for the electrons to take. The total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances, so the current from the source follows I = V divided by (R1 + R2 + ...). If any component opens the path, the loop is broken and current stops everywhere, creating an open circuit. This differs from parallel circuits, where there are multiple paths and current can split between branches. Closed and open describe whether a complete path exists, but the defining feature for a single path through all components is the series arrangement.

Having a single path for current means all components are connected end to end in one continuous loop. This arrangement is a series circuit. In a series circuit the same current flows through every component because there is only one route for the electrons to take. The total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances, so the current from the source follows I = V divided by (R1 + R2 + ...). If any component opens the path, the loop is broken and current stops everywhere, creating an open circuit. This differs from parallel circuits, where there are multiple paths and current can split between branches. Closed and open describe whether a complete path exists, but the defining feature for a single path through all components is the series arrangement.