How Does Graphing V vs. I Help Determine E.m.f and Internal Resistance?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the electromotive force (e.m.f) and internal resistance of a battery through the analysis of a voltage (V) versus current (I) graph. The relationship is established using the equation E = IR + Ir, where E represents e.m.f, I is current, and r is internal resistance. By rearranging the equation to V = E - rI, the graph's linear form V = c + mI is derived, with c as the y-intercept and m as the gradient. This confirms that the gradient of the graph corresponds to the negative internal resistance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law (V = IR)
  • Familiarity with linear equations (y = mx + c)
  • Knowledge of electromotive force (e.m.f) and internal resistance concepts
  • Experience with graphing data and interpreting gradients
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between e.m.f and internal resistance in batteries
  • Learn how to calculate gradients and intercepts from linear graphs
  • Explore the implications of internal resistance on battery performance
  • Investigate experimental methods for measuring e.m.f and internal resistance
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, electrical engineers, and anyone conducting experiments related to battery performance and characteristics.

Andresx90
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Homework Statement


This problem relates to an experiment to determine the e.m.f and internal resistance of a battery using a variable load. Taking values for V & I a graphy of V vs. I was plotted.


Homework Equations


E=IR+Ir
V=IR


The Attempt at a Solution


After plotting the graph and calculating the gradient. I am not sure where the gradient and the equation y=mx+c fit in the equation E=IR+Ir, although I believe it could be rearraging the equation to look like IR=E-Ir. Hence y=IR, E=mx and -Ir=c
 
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From the equations yu've given you could have: [itex]E=V+Ir[/itex]. What would the gradient and intercept be then?
 
If you wqrite your original equation in this form

E = Ir + V

and rearrange you get

V = E - rI

this now corresponds with the linear equation for your graph:

V = c + mI

where c is the y-intercept and m is the gradient of your graph.
 

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