Components connected end-to-end, forming a single path for current.
Characteristics:
- Same current through all components
- Voltages add up to source voltage
- Total resistance is sum of all resistances
- If one component fails, circuit breaks
Formula: Rtotal = R₁ + R₂ + R₃ + ...
Components connected across each other, providing multiple current paths.
Characteristics:
- Same voltage across all components
- Currents add up to total current
- Total resistance decreases
- Circuit works if one component fails
Formula: 1/Rtotal = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ + 1/R₃ + ...