Using V vs. I graph to find e.m.f and internal resistance

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
2 replies · 8K views
Andresx90
Messages
8
Reaction score
0

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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.