When do we say that the resistors are connected in series?

Why are alloys commonly used in electrical heating devices?

$(a)$ What do the following symbols represent in a circuit? Write the name and one function of each.
$(b)$ Draw a schematic diagram of a circuit consisting of a battery of $12 \, V$,three resistors of $5 \, \Omega$,$10 \, \Omega$,and $20 \, \Omega$ connected in parallel,an ammeter to measure the total current through the circuit,and a voltmeter to measure the potential difference across the combination of resistors.
$(c)$ State any one advantage of connecting electrical devices in parallel with the mains instead of connecting them in series in a household circuit.

Find out the following in the electric circuit given in the figure:
$(a)$ Effective resistance of two $8\,\Omega$ resistors in the combination.
$(b)$ Current flowing through the $4\,\Omega$ resistor.
$(c)$ Potential difference across the $4\,\Omega$ resistor.
$(d)$ Power dissipated in the $4\,\Omega$ resistor.
$(e)$ Difference in ammeter readings,if any.

If $1 \text{ ampere}$ electric current passes through a conductor,how many electrons will pass per second?

What is the minimum resistance which can be made using five resistors each of $1/5\,\Omega$?