Series and Parallel Circuit Series and parallel circuits are two fundamental configurations in electrical circuits, each with distinct characteristics that affect how electricity flows through them.

If there are no branches then it's a series circuit. If there are branches it's a parallel circuit. In a television series, you get several episodes, one after the other. A series circuit is similar.

A parallel circuit is way of connecting components on separate branches, so the current can take different routes around the circuit. The current is different in different parts of a parallel circuit.

Last month's column covered the behavior of electrical components connected in series and demonstrated that when a voltage is applied across a series circuit, the current through each component is the ...