# A torch contains a battery connected to a bulb in a simple circuit. When a second identical bulb is added in series with the first bulb, both bulbs glow more dimly than the single bulb did. Explain why both bulbs glow more dimly when connected in series.

> WJEC GCSE Physics (Wales) — 1.1 Electric circuits · Explain · 4 marks

> A torch contains a battery connected to a single bulb. A student then adds a second identical bulb in series with the first bulb in the circuit.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Adding a second bulb in series increases the total resistance of the circuit
2. Because resistance increases, the current in the circuit decreases
3. The voltage of the battery is shared (divided) between the two bulbs
4. Less current through each bulb (and lower voltage across each bulb) means less energy is transferred per second, so the bulbs are dimmer

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Physics (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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