Which type of circuit contains components connected end-to-end?

A series circuit is characterized by components that are connected end-to-end, meaning that the electrical current flows through each component sequentially. In this type of circuit, the same amount of current flows through each component, and the total voltage across the circuit is the sum of the voltages across each individual component. This configuration ensures that if one component fails or is removed, the entire circuit is broken, resulting in no current flow. Series circuits are often used in applications where the same amount of current is required to pass through all components, such as in simple lighting circuits or in the case of batteries connected in a series to increase voltage.

In contrast, parallel circuits have components connected across common points or junctions, allowing for multiple paths for the current to flow. This means that if one component fails, the other components can still function, as they are not dependent on the same path for current. Complex circuits can include both series and parallel elements, and mixed circuits are combinations of series and parallel connections.