# A student connects two resistors in series with a battery. The student then reconnects the same two resistors in parallel with the same battery. Describe how the total resistance of the circuit and the total current from the battery change when the student switches from a series connection to a parallel connection. Explain why these changes occur.

> Eduqas GCSE Physics — 7.1 Current, potential difference and resistance · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Total resistance decreases when resistors are changed from series to parallel
2. In parallel, each resistor provides its own separate path for current, so overall resistance is less than the smallest individual resistance
3. Total current from the battery increases when changed from series to parallel
4. Because the potential difference (voltage) from the battery stays the same but the total resistance is lower, so current increases (linking to V = IR or equivalent reasoning)

## Key terms

- [resistance](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/resistance)
- [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 Eduqas GCSE Physics](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-two-resistors-in-e9d28645) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.