Which type of circuit is characterized by a continuous path for current flow?

A circuit characterized by a continuous path for current flow is known as a series circuit. In a series circuit, all components are connected end-to-end, forming a single pathway for the electric current. When the circuit is closed, the current can flow uninterrupted through each component, such as resistors or bulbs, which are arranged in a line. Because the components share the same current, the total resistance increases with the addition of each component, affecting the overall voltage distribution.

In contrast, parallel circuits have multiple pathways for current flow. If one path is interrupted, current can still flow through the other paths, which differs from the unbroken circuit structure of a series configuration. Open circuits, on the other hand, have a break in the path that prevents current flow entirely, while short circuits occur when there is an unintended low-resistance connection that allows excessive current to flow, bypassing other components. Thus, the defining characteristic of a series circuit is its single, continuous path for current flow, making it the correct answer.