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When the terminals of a cell are connected to a conductor of resistance R, an electric current flows through the circuit. The electrolyte of the cell also offers some resistance in the path of the current, like the conductor. This resistance offered by the electrolyte is called internal resistance of the cell (r). It depends upon the nature of the electrolyte, the area of the electrodes immersed in the electrolyte and the temperature. Due to internal resistance, a part of the energy supplied by the cell is wasted in the form of heat. When no current is drawn from the cell, the potential difference between the two electrodes in known as emf of the cell (ε). With a current drawn from the cell, the potential difference between the two electrodes is termed as terminal potential difference (V).
A cell is connected across an external resistance 12 Ω and supplies 0.25 A current. When the external resistance is increased by 4 Ω, the current reduces to 0.2 A. Calculate (i) the emf, and (ii) the internal resistance, of the cell.
(i) A cell emf of (E) and internal resistance (r) is connected across a variable load resistance (R). (i) R and (ii) the current (I) in the load. Draw plots showing the variation of terminal voltage V with (i) R and (ii) the current (I) in the load. (ii) Three cells, in which each of emf E but internal resistances 2r, 3r and 6r are connected in parallel across a resistor R. Obtain expressions for (i) current flowing in the circuit, and (ii) the terminal potential difference across the equivalent cell.
Write two differences between the emf and terminal potential difference of a cell. What is the most important precaution that one should take while drawing current from a cell ?
Two identical cells, each of emf E and internal resistance r, are connected with a load resistance R, first in series and then in parallel. Obtain the condition under which the current through R is same in both cases.
Three cells, each of emf E but internal resistances 2r, 3r and 6r are connected in parallel across a resistor R. Obtain expressions for (i) current flowing in the circuit, and (ii) the terminal potential difference across the equivalent cell.
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