Change in potential of terminals of batteries

In summary, when points are connected together through a low or zero resistance wire, they become the same potential. This means that there is no potential difference between the connected points. When multiple batteries are connected in series, each individual cell still maintains the same potential difference between its two terminals. However, the common potential of the connected terminals will be different from the original. This is because the potential difference between the terminals of a battery can only be realized in a complete circuit, and a battery is not a storehouse of electrons that flow freely. Therefore, the individual potential drops between the connected terminals will remain the same, but their common potential will be different from the original.
  • #1
Vishwas D
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I know there will be potential difference between the terminals of a battery. But when the positive terminal of a battery is connected to the negative terminal of another, will both of the connected terminals achieve the same potential? If so, what happens to the individual potential differences of the batteries?
 
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  • #2
There is zero potential between the negative of one battery and the positive of another. Absolutely nothing occurs without a circuit between the remaining terminals.
 
  • #3
Vishwas D said:
I know there will be potential difference between the terminals of a battery. But when the positive terminal of a battery is connected to the negative terminal of another, will both of the connected terminals achieve the same potential? If so, what happens to the individual potential differences of the batteries?
Hi Vishwas D.
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When points are connected together by wire having low or zero resistance, they become the same potential. There can consequently not exist any potential difference between those connected points.

When connected in series as you describe, each individual cell continues to present exactly the same potential difference between its two terminals as before; not a thing has changed as far as any of the individual cells is concerned.
 
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But when the connected terminals achieve the same potential, The common potential of those terminals will be different from the original right? Then how do the individual potential drops remain same?
 
  • #5
A single battery terminal has 0VDC potential. You can connect + on one battery and + on another and it will not short the batteries unless you connect the - terminals. A battery is not a storehouse of electrons that flow like water from a hose, electrons have to drift into the negative terminal for the chemical reaction inside the battery to maintain the potential, which can only be realized in a complete circuit.
 
  • #6
Consider two 12V batteries with the +ve of one connected to the -ve of the other. The potential difference between the other terminals will be 24V.

It is possible to define any of the terminals as a reference 0V. Depending on which you choose you can generate...

0 +12 +24
-12 0 +12
-24 -12 0
 
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  • #7
Vishwas D said:
But when the connected terminals achieve the same potential, The common potential of those terminals will be different from the original right? Then how do the individual potential drops remain same?
The 'original potential' of a battery's terminals is unknown/undefined/unspecified if it is not connected to anything. All you can say about an isolated battery sitting by itself is that there exists a known potential difference across its terminals.
 
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FAQ: Change in potential of terminals of batteries

1. What is the definition of "change in potential of terminals of batteries"?

The change in potential of terminals of batteries refers to the difference in electrical potential between the positive and negative terminals of a battery. It is measured in volts and is a key factor in determining the capacity and efficiency of a battery.

2. How does the change in potential affect the performance of a battery?

The change in potential directly affects the performance of a battery. As the potential difference decreases, the battery's ability to produce a current also decreases. This results in a decrease in the battery's capacity and overall performance.

3. What factors can cause a change in potential of terminals of batteries?

The change in potential of terminals of batteries can be caused by a variety of factors, including the type and age of the battery, the temperature, the load on the battery, and the chemical reactions happening inside the battery.

4. How can the change in potential be measured in a battery?

The change in potential can be measured using a voltmeter, which is a device that measures the voltage between two points. The positive and negative terminals of the battery can be connected to the voltmeter to determine the change in potential.

5. Can the change in potential be reversed in a battery?

In most cases, the change in potential of a battery cannot be reversed. As a battery is used, its chemical reactions gradually reduce the potential difference between its terminals, and it eventually becomes unable to produce a current. However, some rechargeable batteries can be recharged, which restores the potential difference between the terminals and allows them to be used again.

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