Which Battery Configuration Produces More Power?

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The discussion centers on comparing the power output of two battery configurations: series and parallel. In the series arrangement, the combined voltage leads to higher potential and current through the resistor, resulting in greater power output. Conversely, the parallel configuration reduces current, which can minimize power loss due to internal resistance. Despite producing less current, the parallel setup's advantage lies in its efficiency and reduced heat generation. Participants are encouraged to perform calculations to quantify the power differences between the two configurations.
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Homework Statement


2 batteries both 1.5V
Each battery has internal resistance, r=3 Ohms.
one Resistor R=50 ohms is in the circuit.

the first circuit is arranged with the two batteries in Series.

the second configuration puts the two batteries in parallel arrangement.Which configuration produces more Power?

It's obvious that the series configuration will produce more potential and more current through the Resistor, R.

However, the parallel configuration can avoid more Power loss due to the lower current.

I'm not sure what is the advantage of arranging 2 batteries in the parallel configuration when this configuration produces less current to the Resistor R than the series configuration.
 
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any ideas?
 
orthovector said:

Homework Statement


2 batteries both 1.5V
Each battery has internal resistance, r=3 Ohms.
one Resistor R=50 ohms is in the circuit.

the first circuit is arranged with the two batteries in Series.

the second configuration puts the two batteries in parallel arrangement.


Which configuration produces more Power?

It's obvious that the series configuration will produce more potential and more current through the Resistor, R.

However, the parallel configuration can avoid more Power loss due to the lower current.

I'm not sure what is the advantage of arranging 2 batteries in the parallel configuration when this configuration produces less current to the Resistor R than the series configuration.

You are given the numbers, so you can calculate the powers involved. Please show your quantitative work and tell us what answer that shows.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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