Change in voltage due to additional source

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the effect of adding an identical voltage source to a circuit, specifically examining the changes in voltage when connected in parallel versus in series. The context involves understanding internal resistance and current flow in electrical circuits.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of connecting voltage sources in parallel and series, noting changes in equivalent resistance and current. Questions arise regarding the effect on voltage across the load and the assumptions about the load's nature.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided reasoning regarding the unchanged voltage in parallel connections and the doubling of voltage in series connections. Others have raised questions about the wording of the original problem and the nature of the load connected to the voltage sources, indicating an exploration of different interpretations.

Contextual Notes

There is a suggestion that the load is assumed to be resistive, which may influence the discussion on voltage measurements across it. The original question's clarity is questioned, indicating potential ambiguity in the problem setup.

Queequeg
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Homework Statement



A voltage source connected to a circuit produces a voltage V, current I and has internal resistance R. What is the new voltage if an identical voltage source is added to the original:

a) in parallel
b) in series

Homework Equations



V=IR[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution



a. For a voltage source in parallel, the equivalent resistance is R/2. Each source provides a current I so the total current is I+I=2I. Therefore the new voltage is V_n=(2I)(R/2)=IR=V unchanged

b. The equivalent resistance is 2R and the current is I because they are in series, so the new voltage is V_n=I(2R)=2V doubled.
 
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Queequeg said:

Homework Statement



A voltage source connected to a circuit produces a voltage V, current I and has internal resistance R. What is the new voltage if an identical voltage source is added to the original:

a) in parallel
b) in series

Homework Equations



V=IR[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution



a. For a voltage source in parallel, the equivalent resistance is R/2. Each source provides a current I so the total current is I+I=2I. Therefore the new voltage is V_n=(2I)(R/2)=IR=V unchanged

b. The equivalent resistance is 2R and the current is I because they are in series, so the new voltage is V_n=I(2R)=2V doubled.
What is the effect of the circuit to which the voltage supplies are connected? Presumably the voltage mentioned is meant to be the voltage across that load?

Fig1.gif


When you connect an identical source in parallel with the first, I agree that the effective internal resistance is halved while the effective cell voltage remains the same. But how will that effect the voltage V that is measured across the load resistance?
 
The original question is badly worded. I suppose you had better assume the load is resistive.
 

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