Basic EMF Problem: Find r Given E, R, and V

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The discussion revolves around a homework problem involving a battery with an emf E and internal resistance r connected to an external resistor R. Given two scenarios with different resistor values (4 ohms and 6 ohms), the user struggles to isolate the internal resistance due to having two unknowns. Participants suggest focusing on deriving a relationship between the variables instead of trying to solve for both simultaneously. Clarification is needed on what the potential difference refers to in the context of the circuit. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the mathematical relationships in the problem to progress in solving it.
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Homework Statement



A battery has an emf E and an internal resistance r. IT is connected to an external resistor R. When R=4 ohms, the potential difference is 9.5 V. When R = 6 ohms, the potential difference is 10.0 V

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Rtotal = R + r
I = V/Rtotal
E = V/Rr + V_ba
when I equate both to try to solve for r, I still end up getting an unknown of 2 variables. Any help would greatly be appreciated. Thank you.
 
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When you say the potential difference is 9.5 V and then 10 V you are referring to the potential difference across what circuit element? Also, what is the question? The internal resistance of the battery?
 
That's just how the problem is given. I am totally lost, and what's worse is, the rest of the homework problems I have to do builds on top of this. I been at this for the past 2 hours and I keep running into 2 unknowns. Can anyone please provide a solution for this? Thanks
 
The problem is not asking a question, so there's nothing to solve for. If you want to describe the system mathematically then just solve for one variable in terms of the other variable. You may not know was both variables are, but you can derive the relationship between them.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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