In a series circuit, what happens when one component fails?

In a series circuit, all components are connected in a single path, meaning the electrical current flows through each component sequentially. When one component fails—such as a bulb blowing out or a resistor becoming damaged—the path for the current is interrupted. Since there is no alternate path for the current to take in a series circuit, the entire flow of electricity stops, affecting every component in the circuit. This is why the statement about the entire circuit being interrupted is the correct answer.

In contrast, if the circuit were parallel, only the part of the circuit with the failed component would stop working, while current could still flow through other branches. This interruption characteristic is fundamental to understanding how series circuits operate, highlighting their reliance on every component being functional to maintain continuity of current flow.