What type of circuit allows current to flow in a single path?

A series circuit is a type of circuit where all components are connected end-to-end in a single path for the current to flow. This means that the same current flows through each component in the circuit sequentially. If any component in the series circuit fails or is disconnected, the entire circuit is interrupted, and current ceases to flow.

The defining characteristic of a series circuit is its single pathway for electrical flow, differentiating it from parallel circuits, where multiple paths exist for current to travel. In a parallel circuit, if one path is broken, current can still flow through other paths, which highlights an important functional difference between the two configurations. Complex circuits are not defined by a singular flow path but may incorporate both series and parallel elements. An open circuit, on the other hand, refers to a circuit that is incomplete, causing current not to flow at all.

Thus, a series circuit is specifically designed so that current travels through a single pathway, making it the correct answer.