Does a flashlight battery have internal resistance?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion centers around whether a flashlight battery has internal resistance and the implications of this resistance on voltage output when current is drawn. The subject area involves concepts from electrical engineering and battery chemistry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants generally agree that flashlight batteries have internal resistance, but there is uncertainty about the reasons behind this and the implications of internal resistance on voltage measurements. Some participants question whether the inquiry is focused on the existence of internal resistance or its effects.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights about the nature of internal resistance and its relation to battery performance. Some guidance has been offered regarding further research into battery chemistry, but no consensus has been reached on the underlying reasons for internal resistance.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the question may involve both the existence of internal resistance and its implications, leading to some ambiguity in the discussion. There is also mention of external resources for further exploration of the topic.

carnivalcougar
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Homework Statement



Does a flashlight battery have internal resistance? Explain.

Homework Equations



V = ε - Ir

The Attempt at a Solution



Yes, they do have internal resistance. This results in the open circuit ε being different than the voltage measured across the terminals if a current is drawn from the source.

I'm not sure why, though. I'm also not sure if the question is asking why they have internal resistance or if its just asking what the implications of this internal resistance are.
 
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carnivalcougar said:

Homework Statement



Does a flashlight battery have internal resistance? Explain.

Homework Equations



V = ε - Ir

The Attempt at a Solution



Yes, they do have internal resistance. This results in the open circuit ε being different than the voltage measured across the terminals if a current is drawn from the source.

I'm not sure why, though. I'm also not sure if the question is asking why they have internal resistance or if its just asking what the implications of this internal resistance are.

Yes, all real-life batteries and power supplies have internal series resistance. You can Google battery chemistry internal resistance to learn more to help you answer that part of the question. :smile:
 
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What he said.

Just about everything has resistance (except superconductors), including the terminals of the battery.
 
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