What is the main difference between series and parallel circuits?

The main difference between series and parallel circuits lies in how the components are connected within the circuit. In a series circuit, components are arranged end-to-end, which means that they share the same current that flows through each device one after the other. Consequently, the total voltage across the entire circuit is the sum of the voltages across each component. If one component fails or is removed, the entire circuit stops functioning because there is no alternative path for current to flow.

In contrast, a parallel circuit connects components across common points, meaning each component has its own individual path. This arrangement allows for the same voltage to be applied across each component while the current can vary depending on the individual resistance of each device. If one component in a parallel circuit fails or is removed, the other components can continue to operate because the remaining paths for current are still intact.

This understanding is crucial in applications of circuits, as it determines the behavior and reliability of the overall system depending on how the components are arranged.