Finding the Emf and Internal Resistance of a Battery with Changing Resistors

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the electromotive force (emf) and internal resistance of a battery using two different resistor values. When a 4-ohm resistor is connected, the potential difference (p.d.) is 8.0V, while a 2-ohm resistor yields a p.d. of 6.0V. By applying Ohm's Law (V=IR) and solving the resulting simultaneous equations, users can determine both the internal resistance and emf of the battery definitively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law (V=IR)
  • Ability to solve simultaneous equations
  • Basic knowledge of electrical circuits
  • Familiarity with the concept of electromotive force (emf)
NEXT STEPS
  • Practice solving simultaneous equations in electrical contexts
  • Explore advanced applications of Ohm's Law in circuit analysis
  • Learn about battery characteristics and performance metrics
  • Investigate methods for measuring internal resistance of batteries
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or electrical engineering, educators teaching circuit theory, and hobbyists interested in battery performance and analysis.

DoubleHelix
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Homework Statement


The p.d. across a battery's terminals is 8.0V when connected to a 4ohm resistor. When this resistor is replaced with a 2ohm resistor the p.d. across it's terminals is 6.0V. What is the emf and internal resistance of the resistor?

Homework Equations


V=IR

The Attempt at a Solution


Code:
V = IR                              V = IR
I  = V/R                            I  = V/R
   = 8/4                               = 6/2
   = 2A                                = 3A

And then I just don't know what to do next. Help would be very appreciated. :)
 
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DoubleHelix said:

Homework Statement


The p.d. across a battery's terminals is 8.0V when connected to a 4ohm resistor. When this resistor is replaced with a 2ohm resistor the p.d. across it's terminals is 6.0V. What is the emf and internal resistance of the resistor?

I think the problem must ask "What is the emf and internal resistance of the battery"?

Correct?

You solve this kind of problem using the fact that you have two unknowns (Vbat and Rbat) and you have two equations (write the V=IR equation for the two situations that have been given to you).

Does that help?
 
Sorry for my very late reply, and yes it was supposed to be battery.

You did help a lot. And just in case anybody else is struggling with a problem like this then I'll explain how I did it. I worked out that I could solve the equations simultaneously to find find the internal resistance of the battery and then you just need to do a simple V=IR calculation to find the emf of the Battery. ;)
 

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