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.

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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