# Explain why the total resistance of two resistors connected in parallel is less than the resistance of either individual resistor.

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

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. In a parallel circuit, current splits / has more than one path to travel through
2. Only some of the charge flows through each branch / resistor
3. Adding a second resistor in parallel gives the charge an additional path / makes it easier for charge to flow
4. The overall / total resistance decreases as more parallel branches are added
5. The potential difference across each branch remains the same / equal to the supply potential difference

## Key terms

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

## 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)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-the-total-resistance-of-1d88b649) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.