# A student connects a resistor to a battery. Explain what is meant by the terms 'current' and 'potential difference' in this circuit, and describe how increasing the resistance of the resistor affects the current when the potential difference stays the same.

> Eduqas GCSE Physics — 7.1 Current, potential difference and resistance · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Current is the rate of flow of charge (through the circuit)
2. Potential difference (voltage) is the energy transferred per unit charge / the driving force that pushes charge around the circuit
3. Increasing resistance decreases the current
4. Because resistance opposes / limits the flow of charge (and with the same potential difference, less charge flows per second)

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Physics](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-resistor-to-f6e93796) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.