# A thermistor is connected in series with a fixed resistor and a battery. Explain what happens to the current through the circuit as the temperature of the thermistor increases.

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

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. As temperature increases, the resistance of the thermistor decreases
2. The total resistance of the circuit decreases
3. Because in a series circuit total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances
4. The potential difference of the battery stays the same / is constant
5. So the current through the circuit increases

## Key terms

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

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-thermistor-is-connected-in-series-f3b23382) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.