# Explain why adding more identical resistors in series to a circuit causes the current in the circuit to decrease, whilst adding more identical resistors in parallel to a circuit causes the current drawn from the supply to increase.

> Eduqas GCSE Physics — 1.1 Electric circuits · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. In a series circuit, adding more resistors increases the total resistance of the circuit.
2. A greater total resistance means a smaller current flows (for the same supply voltage), as current and resistance are inversely related.
3. In a parallel circuit, each additional resistor provides an extra path for current to flow.
4. Adding more parallel branches reduces the total resistance of the circuit, so a greater total current is drawn from the supply.

## Key terms

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

## Related

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-adding-more-identical-resistors-00bed27e) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.