What happens to the current in a series circuit if one load fails?

In a series circuit, all components are connected end-to-end, forming a single pathway for current to flow. This means that the current is the same through all components. If one load, such as a resistor or a light bulb, fails (commonly by becoming an open circuit), it interrupts that single pathway. As a result, the current cannot flow through the circuit anymore, causing the entire circuit to stop functioning.

This characteristic of series circuits is critical in understanding how they operate, as it illustrates the dependency of all components on one another. Any interruption in the flow, whether due to a failed component or other issues, results in the cessation of current throughout the entire circuit.

In contrast, parallel circuits have multiple pathways for current, so a failure in one component doesn't affect the others. This difference is key to recognizing why the current in a series circuit ceases entirely upon the failure of a single load.