# A student investigates how the resistance of a length of wire changes as the wire gets longer. Describe what resistance is and explain why a longer wire has greater resistance than a shorter wire of the same material and thickness.

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

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Resistance is the opposition to the flow of current (in a component/wire)
2. Electrons (charge carriers) collide with the ions/atoms in the wire
3. A longer wire means more collisions occur / electrons travel a greater distance through the material
4. More collisions means greater opposition to current flow / greater resistance

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Physics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe and 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-investigates-how-the-resistance-586ec9e3) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.