# Describe how the resistance of a thermistor changes as its temperature decreases, and explain how this change affects the current through it when it is connected to a fixed potential difference.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.2.1 Current, potential difference and resistance · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The resistance of a thermistor increases as its temperature decreases.
2. The greater the resistance, the smaller the current for a given potential difference.
3. The potential difference across the thermistor remains fixed / unchanged.
4. So as temperature decreases, the current through the thermistor decreases.

## Key terms

- [thermistor](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/thermistor)
- [resistance](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/resistance)
- [potential difference](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/potential-difference)
- [current](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/current)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](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)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-the-resistance-of-a-15defb9b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.