# A student connects two identical resistors in a series circuit with a battery. The student then reconnects the same two resistors in a parallel circuit using the same battery. Explain how the current from the battery differs between the two circuits.

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

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. In a series circuit, the total resistance equals the sum of both resistors' resistances (so total resistance is greater than one resistor alone)
2. In a parallel circuit, the total resistance is less than the resistance of either individual resistor
3. The parallel circuit therefore has a lower total resistance than the series circuit
4. The greater the resistance, the smaller the current for a given potential difference (or V = IR used as reasoning)
5. The current from the battery is greater in the parallel circuit than in the series circuit

## Key terms

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

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-connects-two-identical-resistors-e9ea8ebe) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.