- #1
mattbeatlefreak
- 34
- 2
Homework Statement
Three resistors are connected in series to a battery. The resistances are R1 = 15 Ω ,R2 = 25 Ω , and R3 = 30 Ω and the current through the 15-Ω, resistor is 2.7 A .
What is the potential difference across the battery terminals if the battery is ideal?
What is the potential difference across the battery terminals if the battery has an internal resistance of 5.0 Ω?
Homework Equations
V=iR
Vbatt = ξ*[R/(Rbatt+R)] (this equation was derived in my textbook from Vbatt = ξ - iRbatt)
The Attempt at a Solution
This problem is very straightforward. The total resistance for the first part is just the sum of the resistors since they are in parallel. Solving for the potential difference across the battery I get 189 V; this answer was accepted as correct.
However, when I use the next equation, I get 176.4 V for the second part. Neither 176 or 177 volts (177 in the case that you round 189 to 190) was accepted.
I even checked my answer with this website simulation thing http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/dcex6.html
I feel confident that this is the correct answer, but it is not being accepted. Any thoughts on why? Thanks in advance!