# A student connects two identical resistors in a parallel circuit with a battery. She then reconnects the same two resistors in a series circuit with the same battery. Explain why the current drawn from the battery is greater in the parallel circuit than in the series circuit.

> Eduqas GCSE Physics — 7.2 Series and parallel circuits · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. In a parallel circuit, each resistor has its own separate branch/path for current to flow through
2. The total resistance of the parallel circuit is less than the resistance of either individual resistor / less than the series circuit
3. In the series circuit, the two resistors add together, giving a greater total resistance
4. A greater total resistance (in series) means less current is drawn from the battery, so parallel gives more current (linking resistance to current using Ohm's law idea)

## Key terms

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

## 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-two-identical-resistors-65dd1f1b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.