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eprparadox
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Homework Statement
The positive terminals of two batteries with emf’s of E1 and E2, respectively, are connected together. Here E2 > E1. The circuit is completed by connecting the negative terminals. If each battery has an internal resistance r, the rate with which electrical energy is converted to chemical energy in the smaller battery is:
A. E1^2/r
B. E1^2/2r
C. (E2 − E1)*E1/r
D. (E2 − E1)*E1/2r
E. E2^2/2r
Homework Equations
P = V^2/R
The Attempt at a Solution
I'm not entirely sure how to analyze this. It seems to me that the power dissipated by the resistors if (E2 + E1)^2/2r. I know that's not what the question is asking for, but is that correct by itself? Whatever energy is created chemically will be dissipated in the internal resistance of the batteries.
Now, if I was subtract off the rate of chemical energy provided by the E2 (the larger) source, then I should get the remaining energy, which is that provided by the E1 (the smaller) source. This is probably all jibberish, but if anyone has any ideas pointing me in the right direction that'd be great.
Thanks a lot for the help.