Circuit Resistance: Find Total Resisitance with Cells Connected in Series

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    Circuit Resistance
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the total resistance in a circuit involving three cells connected in series, each with a specified electromotive force (e.m.f.) and internal resistance, alongside an external resistor. Participants are examining the relationship between the internal resistances of the cells and the external resistor to determine the overall resistance in the circuit.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to calculate the total resistance by summing the internal resistances of the cells and the external resistor. Questions arise regarding the interpretation of the total resistance and the calculations leading to different results.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the calculations, clarifying how to correctly sum the internal resistances with the external resistor. There appears to be a productive exchange of ideas, with some participants acknowledging misunderstandings in their initial calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework problem, which may limit the information available for deeper exploration of circuit theory. There is an emphasis on understanding the contributions of each component to the total resistance.

aurao2003
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Homework Statement


hi
i am wondering if this is correct. this is the question;
Three cells, each of e.m.f. 1·5 V and internal resistance 0·50 Ω, are connected in series to
make a battery of e.m.f. 4·5V. The battery is connected to a resistor, R, of resistance 6·0 Ω.



Homework Equations


V= i/R


The Attempt at a Solution


TOTAL VOLTAGE = 4.5V
TOTAL RESISTANCE = 6.5 OHMS
but the answer states the total resistnace is 7.5 ohms.
can someone kindly explain how?
thanks
 
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aurao2003 said:
Three cells, each of e.m.f. 1·5 V and internal resistance 0·50 Ω, are connected in series to
make a battery of e.m.f. 4·5V. The battery is connected to a resistor, R, of resistance 6·0 Ω.
Three cells of 0.50Ω + a resistor of 6·0 Ω = ?
 
Fightfish said:
Three cells of 0.50Ω + a resistor of 6·0 Ω = ?

:mad::smile:
silly me.
total internal resistance = 1.5 ohms (3x0.5 ohms)
total resistance = 1.5 +6= 7.5 ohms

thanks a million
 
EACH of the three cells has internal resistance of 0.5Ω

0.5Ω + 0.5Ω + 0.5Ω = 1.5Ω

add that to the resistor of 6Ω connected to the battery and you get 7.5Ω! =)

You probably thought the three resistors had 0.5Ω in total, easy mistake to make in reading the problem.

EDIT: nevermind, seems you got it already.
 
soothsayer said:
EACH of the three cells has internal resistance of 0.5Ω

0.5Ω + 0.5Ω + 0.5Ω = 1.5Ω

add that to the resistor of 6Ω connected to the battery and you get 7.5Ω! =)

You probably thought the three resistors had 0.5Ω in total, easy mistake to make in reading the problem.

EDIT: nevermind, seems you got it already.
yeah. not good for a budding engineer.:wink: thanks
 

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