In a circuit, what does the term 'series' indicate regarding the arrangement of components?

In a circuit, the term 'series' indicates that components are arranged in such a way that the current flows through one component and then the next in a single pathway. This arrangement means that the same current flows through each component connected in series, leading to a cumulative effect on voltage.

For instance, if two resistors are connected in series, the total resistance in the circuit is the sum of their individual resistances, and the total voltage across the series combination is also the sum of the voltages across each component. This configuration contrasts with parallel arrangements, where each component shares the same voltage but has separate current paths.

The series arrangement is essential in understanding circuit behavior, as it helps in analyzing how components affect each other and the overall circuit performance.