# A student connects a battery to two identical resistors in a parallel circuit. Explain why the total resistance of the parallel circuit is less than the resistance of just one of the resistors, and describe what happens to the total current from the battery compared to a circuit containing only one of those resistors connected to the same battery.

> AQA A-Level Physics (7408) — 3.5.1 Current Electricity · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. In a parallel circuit, the current splits / has more than one path (branch) to flow through
2. Because charge can flow through both branches simultaneously, it is easier for current to flow overall (less opposition)
3. So the total resistance is less than the resistance of one resistor alone
4. The potential difference across each branch is the same as the battery / supply potential difference
5. The total current from the battery is greater (than with a single resistor) because the total resistance is lower / current from each branch adds together

## Key terms

- [parallel](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/parallel)
- [total resistance](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/total-resistance)
- [current](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/current)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Physics (7408)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-connects-a-battery-to-305ef31c) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.