# A student connects three identical lamps in a series circuit. The student then reconnects the same three lamps in a parallel circuit, using the same battery. Describe how the potential difference across each lamp and the current through each lamp change when moving from the series circuit to the parallel circuit.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.2.2 Series and parallel circuits · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. In series, the potential difference is shared between the lamps; in parallel, each lamp has the full (supply) potential difference across it.
2. So the potential difference across each lamp is greater in the parallel circuit than in the series circuit.
3. In a series circuit the same current passes through every lamp; in a parallel circuit the total current splits between the branches so each lamp carries less than the total current.
4. Because the potential difference across each lamp is greater in parallel (and the lamps are identical), the current through each individual lamp is greater in the parallel circuit than in the series circuit.

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" 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-three-identical-lamps-3277547d) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.