# A student connects two identical lamps in parallel with a battery. Explain why the total resistance of the parallel circuit is less than the resistance of a single lamp, and describe what happens to the current from the battery compared to when only one lamp is connected.

> Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0) — 10.1 Electricity and circuits · Explain · 4 marks

> Two identical lamps are connected in parallel with a battery. Each lamp has a resistance of 6 Ω.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. In a parallel circuit, the current has more than one path/branch to flow through
2. Because there are multiple paths, it is easier for charge to flow, so the total resistance is lower than a single lamp alone
3. The current from the battery is greater when two lamps are connected in parallel compared to one lamp alone
4. The total current from the battery equals the sum of the currents through each lamp / the current splits between the two branches

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0)](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-two-identical-lamps-274b2922) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.