In a series circuit, the current measured on the supply side of the load is equal to the current measured on the return path.

• A. None of the above
• B. The same as
• C. The greater than
• D. Less than

Answer: (B)

In a series circuit the same amount of current flows through every component along the single path. Because there is only one path for charge to take, what leaves the source must return through the same path, so the current entering the load on the supply side equals the current leaving the load on the return side. The voltages across the individual components can differ, adding up to the total supply voltage, but the current remains constant as it traverses the loop. If there were multiple paths (a parallel circuit), currents could split and differ between paths, but in a series arrangement they stay the same throughout.