What is the primary characteristic of a series circuit?

The primary characteristic of a series circuit is that the same current flows through all components. In a series arrangement, electrical components are connected end-to-end, creating a single pathway for current to travel. This means that every component in the circuit experiences the same amount of current since there is only one path for the electrons to follow.

This behavior affects how components within the circuit function. For example, if one component in the series fails or is removed, the entire circuit is interrupted, and current stops flowing. This principle contrasts with parallel circuits, where each component operates independently and can have different current levels due to multiple paths being available.

The other characteristics, such as voltage division and the potential for no current flow, do not apply to the fundamental nature of series circuits. In series circuits, while the total voltage supplied by the source is indeed divided among the components, it is the consistency of current that fundamentally defines a series circuit's operation.