# A student connects two resistors in series in a circuit and then reconnects them in parallel using the same power supply. Explain why the total resistance of the parallel circuit is less than the total resistance of the series circuit.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.2.1 Current, potential difference and resistance · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. In series, the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances
2. In parallel, the total resistance is less than the smallest individual resistance
3. In parallel, charge (current) has more than one path / branch to travel through
4. Because current can split between branches, it is easier for charge to flow, so overall opposition to current flow (resistance) is reduced

## Key terms

- [resistance](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/resistance)
- [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 "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-resistors-in-8bd5df9f) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.