Are lost volts the difference between EMF and terminal potential difference?

In summary, "lost volts" refers to the difference between the EMF (electromotive force) and terminal pd (potential difference) in an electrical source. In some regions, this term is used to describe the voltage drop in a circuit, which is equal to the product of the current and the source's internal resistance.
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homeworkhelpls
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Are lost volts the difference between EMF and terminal pd?
 
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By "lost volts" I'm assuming you mean "voltage drop". Can you post a typical circuit that has generated this question?
 
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berkeman said:
By "lost volts" I'm assuming you mean "voltage drop". Can you post a typical circuit that has generated this question?
Actually its a general question, but the circuit used is say for example a potential divider
 
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Okay, then what are "EMF" and "terminal pd" in the context of your question? The input battery voltage and the output of the 2-resistor voltage divider?
 
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homeworkhelpls said:
Are lost volts the difference between EMF and terminal pd?
Maybe terminology varies regionally, but here in the UK that’s exactly what is meant by ‘lost volts’ for an electrical source.

E.g. a cell’s emf (measured open-circuit) is 1.60V. With some load, the p.d. between the cell’s terminals drops to 1.45V. Then the ‘lost volts’ = 1.60V - 1.45V = 0.15V.

The ‘lost volts’ value is often (especially for teaching and examination purposes here) taken to equal the product of the current through the supply and the supply’s notional internal resistance.
 
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1. What exactly are lost volts?

Lost volts refer to the voltage that is lost due to internal resistance in a circuit. This means that the actual voltage output of a power source, such as a battery, will be less than the theoretical voltage output.

2. How are lost volts related to EMF and terminal potential difference?

Lost volts are the difference between the EMF (electromotive force) and the terminal potential difference of a power source. The EMF is the maximum potential difference that a power source can provide, while the terminal potential difference is the actual potential difference measured at the terminals of the power source.

3. Can lost volts be eliminated in a circuit?

No, lost volts cannot be completely eliminated in a circuit. However, they can be minimized by using power sources with lower internal resistance, such as rechargeable batteries or power supplies.

4. How do lost volts affect the performance of a circuit?

Lost volts can significantly affect the performance of a circuit by reducing the available voltage and therefore, the amount of current that can flow through the circuit. This can result in lower power output and reduced efficiency.

5. Are lost volts a concern in all types of circuits?

Yes, lost volts are a concern in all types of circuits, but they are more significant in circuits with higher internal resistance, such as those using batteries or long wires. In circuits with low internal resistance, lost volts may not have a noticeable effect on performance.

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