# A battery is connected to two resistors in series. State what is meant by 'electromotive force' (e.m.f.) of the battery and explain how the potential difference across each resistor relates to the e.m.f. of the battery.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625) — 4.3 Electric circuits · State and Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Electromotive force is the electrical work done by the battery in moving a unit charge around the complete circuit
2. The potential difference across each resistor is the work done by a unit charge passing through that resistor
3. The potential differences across the two resistors add up to equal the e.m.f. of the battery
4. The p.d. across each resistor is less than the e.m.f. (because the e.m.f. is divided between the two resistors)

## Key terms

- [electromotive force](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/electromotive-force)
- [potential difference](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/potential-difference)
- [series](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/series)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "State and Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-battery-is-connected-to-two-0a4e6150) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.