What is a key characteristic of series circuit components?

In a series circuit, the components are connected end-to-end, forming a single path for current to flow through. This configuration means that the same current flows through each component in the series. For example, if you have multiple resistors in series, the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances, and any interruption in the circuit (such as removing one component) will cause the entire circuit to stop functioning.

The end-to-end connection is crucial for understanding how voltage is distributed across the components; it reveals that the sum of the voltages across each component equals the total voltage supplied by the source. This relationship highlights why the arrangement significantly influences circuit behavior and performance. Components connected in parallel or in random configurations would not exhibit this defining feature of series circuits, where the failure of one component affects the entire circuit's operation.