What is the main difference between a series and a parallel circuit?

The main difference between a series and a parallel circuit lies in how the voltage and current are distributed among the components. In a series circuit, all components are arranged in a single path, meaning that the same current flows through each component. Consequently, the total voltage across the series circuit is the sum of the individual voltages across each component, which means that each component experiences a different voltage depending on its resistance.

Conversely, in a parallel circuit, the components are connected across the same two points, creating multiple paths for the current to flow. This arrangement means that each component receives the same voltage across it, while the total current flowing through the circuit is the sum of the currents through each parallel branch. Therefore, the defining characteristic of parallel circuits is that components share the same voltage, while in series circuits, components share the same current.

This distinction is crucial for understanding how to design and analyze electrical circuits, as it affects how voltage and current behave in different configurations.