# Explain why adding a second resistor in parallel to a circuit reduces the total resistance of the circuit, even though more components have been added.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.2.2 Series and parallel circuits · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. In a parallel circuit, the current splits between the branches / charge has more than one path to take
2. Adding a second branch means more current can flow from the same supply / total current increases
3. Greater total current from the same potential difference means the total resistance must be lower (V = IR / resistance opposes current flow)
4. The total resistance is always less than the resistance of the smallest individual branch / less than either individual resistor

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](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/explain-why-adding-a-second-resistor-becd19ae) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.