What are the two types of electrical circuits?

The correct identification of the two main types of electrical circuits as series and parallel is fundamental in understanding how electrical components operate together.

In a series circuit, components are connected end-to-end in a single path for the current to flow. This means that if one component fails or is disconnected, the entire circuit is broken, and the current stops flowing. It is characterized by having the same current flowing through all components but different voltage drops across each component depending on their resistance.

Conversely, a parallel circuit has multiple paths for current to flow. Components are connected across the same voltage source so that the current can divide among them. In this type of circuit, if one branch is disconnected or fails, current can still flow through the other branches, allowing the circuit to remain operational. Each component in a parallel circuit experiences the same voltage across it, but the total current running through the circuit is the sum of the currents in each branch.

Recognizing these two types helps in circuit design and troubleshooting because the different connections impact how power is distributed and how circuit functionality is affected by faults.