Calculating EMF and Internal Resistance: A Practical Guide

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the Electromotive Force (EMF) and internal resistance of a circuit using two sets of measurements. The first measurement involves a resistance of 3 ohms and a voltage of 3.6 volts, while the second measurement has a resistance of 5 ohms and a voltage of 3.8 volts. The key equations used include Ohm's Law (I = U/R) and the relationships I = EMF/(R + r) and I0 = EMF/r. By forming simultaneous equations from the two measurements, users can solve for the unknowns EMF and internal resistance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law
  • Familiarity with circuit components (battery, switch, resistance, voltmeter)
  • Ability to solve simultaneous equations
  • Knowledge of basic electrical concepts (EMF, internal resistance)
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to derive simultaneous equations from circuit measurements
  • Study the concept of internal resistance in batteries
  • Explore practical applications of EMF calculations in real-world circuits
  • Investigate the impact of internal resistance on circuit performance
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrical engineering, physics enthusiasts, and anyone involved in circuit analysis and design will benefit from this discussion.

Gustavs1337
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Homework Statement


I need to calculate EMF and internal resistance from the given resistance and voltage.
R = 3 ohms
U = 3,6 V
EMF- ?
I0 - ?
r - ?

Homework Equations


I = U/R
EMF = A/q
I = EMF/R+r
I0 = EMF/r

The Attempt at a Solution


I = 3,6/3 = 1,2 A
I = EMF/R+r
1,2= EMF/3+r
^ I hit a wall there, don't know whether to consider EMF to be the same as Voltage or not. Help please.
 
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Gustavs1337 said:

Homework Statement


I need to calculate EMF and internal resistance from the given resistance and voltage.
R = 3 ohms
U = 3,6 V
EMF- ?
I0 - ?
r - ?

Homework Equations


I = U/R
EMF = A/q
I = EMF/R+r
I0 = EMF/r

The Attempt at a Solution


I = 3,6/3 = 1,2 A
I = EMF/R+r
1,2= EMF/3+r
^ I hit a wall there, don't know whether to consider EMF to be the same as Voltage or not. Help please.
Given data is insufficient. Are you sure you posted all the given quantities?
 
cnh1995 said:
Given data is insufficient. Are you sure you posted all the given quantities?
There is a second measurement which is with a resistance of 5 and a voltage of 3,8. I am not sure if that helps. Also the electric circuit consists of a switch, battery, resistance and an internal voltmeter ( not sure about the internal part but it is on the inside of the circuit and not the outside).
 
Could you state the exact problem statement?
 
Circuit consisting of battery, switch, resistance and a voltmeter. We take 2 measurements. One with a resistance of 3 ohms, there's voltage of 3.6 volts. Second with a resistance of 5, there's a voltage of 3.8 volts. Calculate the EMF, internal resistance and short-circuit current(sorry i didnt mention the short circuit current before)
 
Gustavs1337 said:
Circuit consisting of battery, switch, resistance and a voltmeter. We take 2 measurements. One with a resistance of 3 ohms, there's voltage of 3.6 volts. Second with a resistance of 5, there's a voltage of 3.8 volts. Calculate the EMF, internal resistance and short-circuit current(sorry i didnt mention the short circuit current before)
Ok. Start by drawing a circuit diagram.
Calculate current I in both the cases using Ohm's law.
Gustavs1337 said:
I = EMF/R+r
You know R and I for two measurements. You havd two unknowns Emf and r.
Form two simultaneous equations with two unknowns from the given measurements and solve them.
 
Do you want me to show you the diagram? I cannot show you but i have it drawn. The I in both cases are 1.2 and 0.76 ohms.
1.2=x:(3+y)
0.76=x:(5+y) do you mean like this? How to solve them? Do i use the sum method or something?
 
Ok i get it now, thanks. I think i can calculate emf and r now from the equations.
 

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