Arrows show the direction of the current, flowing from positive to negative.

• Battery signs: The + indicates the positive terminal and the – indicates the negative terminal
• Figure A shows a series circuit, a charge has only one path through which it can flow. The battery is attached by wires to two light bulbs placed side by side. The bulbs are a resistance and increases the resistance of a series circuit. If one element stops functioning in a series circuit, none of the other elements can operate.
• Figure B is a parallel circuit, an electric circuit with two or more paths through which charges can flow. The bulbs are placed parallel to each other, with wires connecting them to the battery. Different from a series circuit, if one bulb goes out the rest of the elements can still operate.