Charge accumulation for in series batteries

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of a series circuit with 4 1.5V batteries connected to create a net voltage of 6V. The speakers question whether there would be a charge accumulation if the circuit was short-circuited or connected to a load. They also discuss the role of individual batteries in the circuit and the path of electrons. The expert explains that no charge accumulates and that the movement of electrons follows the laws of KVL and KCL in circuit theory. They also mention that this discussion is within the domain of validity of circuit theory and more advanced theories may be needed for a deeper understanding.
  • #1
DonYuri
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Take the following diagram of 4 1.5V batteries connected in series to creat and net voltage of 6V (the numbers are of no significance here).
batteries-in-series.PNG


If we were to short circuit the system by connecting battery 1 to battery 4 (or run the current through a load), wouldn't there be electrons traveling from the positive terminal of battery 1 into the negative terminal of battery 4 and accumulating there? Wouldn't this then create a net positive charge in battery 1 and a net negative charge in battery 4 until the current is inversed? This would matter in a scenario where you allowed such a charge buildup to occur and then separated the batteries leading to the permanent separation of those charges, no?

The way I see it, the electrons do not have a way of returning to the negative terminal of battery 1. This leads to my second questiong which is: why is there a net potential difference of 6V if the only 2 electrodes that are interacting are the positive of battery 1 and the negative of battery 4? Essentially I don't understand the interactions of batteries 2 and 3 and their effect on the net voltage. If someone could explain the path of an electron in this system I would be very appreciative.

Thanks in advance!
 
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  • #2
DonYuri said:
Wouldn't this then create a net positive charge in battery 1 and a net negative charge in battery 4 until the current is inversed?
No, there is no charge accumulation. For each battery, the amount of current entering one terminal is equal to the amount of current leaving the other terminal. So no charge accumulates.
 
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  • #3
DonYuri said:
If we were to short circuit the system by connecting battery 1 to battery 4 (or run the current through a load), wouldn't there be electrons traveling from the positive terminal of battery 1 into the negative terminal of battery 4 and accumulating there?

No, they would move from the negative terminal of battery 4 to the positive terminal of battery 1, not the other way around.
 
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  • #4
Okay sorry, got electron and current flow inversed. So I think I see what you are saying, Dale. The electrons would flow from the negative terminal of 4 to the positive of 1. BUT, to compensate for this, the negative terminal of 1 will give and electron to the positive terminal of 2. And then from 2 to 3, and then finally the circuit is complete when 3 gives and electron back to 4. This would therefore result in electrons being put at a lower potential 4 times which accounts for the net voltage of 6V. Am I correct on this?

In addition, if the circuit from 1 to 4 is NOT closed, why wouldn't electrons still flow from the negative terminal of 1 to the positive terminal of 2? Despite not being able to offer a regeneration of charge in battery 1, the electron would still be moving to a lower potential which should be favourable, no?
 
  • #5
DonYuri said:
In addition, if the circuit from 1 to 4 is NOT closed, why wouldn't electrons still flow from the negative terminal of 1 to the positive terminal of 2? Despite not being able to offer a regeneration of charge in battery 1, the electron would still be moving to a lower potential which should be favourable, no?

you have to ask yourself ... why would they move...
1) when there is no charge imbalance in that setup ?
2) when there is no complete circuit ?
 
  • #6
DonYuri said:
In addition, if the circuit from 1 to 4 is NOT closed, why wouldn't electrons still flow from the negative terminal of 1 to the positive terminal of 2? Despite not being able to offer a regeneration of charge in battery 1, the electron would still be moving to a lower potential which should be favourable, no?
Circuit theory has two governing laws: KVL and KCL. What you are describing would violate KCL.

If you are learning circuit theory then you should never even use the word "electron", it is not even part of the theory. In circuit theory there are only voltages and currents and circuit elements. The voltages follow KVL and the currents follow KCL.

That is not to say that it cannot happen, just that it is something that doesn't happen within the domain of validity of circuit theory. So you would need to use a more advanced theory like Maxwell's equations or quantum electrodynamics.
 
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  • #7
Dale, that makes a lot of sense now. Current going out must equal to current going in so unless the circuit is closed nothing can happen. Thank you!
 
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1. What is charge accumulation for in series batteries?

Charge accumulation for in series batteries refers to the process by which multiple batteries are connected in a series, resulting in the total voltage being the sum of individual battery voltages. This allows for a higher overall voltage output compared to using a single battery.

2. How does charge accumulation work for in series batteries?

In series batteries, the positive terminal of one battery is connected to the negative terminal of the next battery, creating a continuous flow of electrons. This results in the total voltage being the sum of individual battery voltages, while the total capacity remains the same.

3. What are the advantages of using in series batteries for charge accumulation?

Using in series batteries allows for a higher overall voltage output, making them useful for powering devices that require a higher voltage. In addition, it can also help to evenly distribute the load among multiple batteries, resulting in a longer lifespan for each battery.

4. Are there any drawbacks to using in series batteries for charge accumulation?

One potential drawback is that if one battery in the series fails, it can affect the performance of the entire series. In addition, if the batteries are not of the same type or brand, they may have different voltage outputs which can lead to imbalance and reduced efficiency.

5. How can I ensure proper charge accumulation for in series batteries?

To ensure proper charge accumulation for in series batteries, it is important to use batteries of the same type, brand, and age. It is also recommended to regularly monitor the voltage of each battery and replace them as needed to maintain balance and efficiency.

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