# A student has a battery connected to three identical lamps. She first connects all three lamps in series. She then reconnects them so that all three lamps are in parallel. Compare the brightness of the lamps in the two arrangements and explain, in terms of voltage and current, why the brightness differs.

> Eduqas A-Level Physics — 2.2 DC circuits · Compare · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The lamps in the parallel arrangement are brighter than in the series arrangement (or: lamps in series are dimmer than in parallel)
2. In the series circuit, the supply voltage is shared (divided) between the three lamps
3. In the parallel circuit, each lamp receives the full supply voltage
4. The current through each lamp is greater in the parallel arrangement than in the series arrangement
5. Greater voltage (and current) through each lamp in parallel means more power is transferred, so the lamps are brighter

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Physics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Compare" 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-has-a-battery-connected-0767e574) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.