The magnitude of terminal potential difference?

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SUMMARY

The terminal potential difference between two supply terminals connected to a piece of lead with negligible resistance is 0V. Given an electromotive force (EMF) of 5000V and an internal resistance of 2,000,000 Ohms, the current (I) calculated is 0.0025 A. Applying Ohm's Law, the voltage across the internal resistance equals the EMF, leaving no potential difference for the terminals or external circuit. Thus, the entire EMF is consumed by the internal resistance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law (V = IR)
  • Familiarity with electromotive force (EMF) concepts
  • Knowledge of internal resistance in electrical circuits
  • Basic principles of electrical circuits and potential difference
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of internal resistance on circuit performance
  • Learn about the effects of load resistance on terminal potential difference
  • Explore practical applications of EMF in real-world circuits
  • Investigate methods to minimize internal resistance in power supplies
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrical engineering, educators teaching circuit theory, and anyone interested in understanding the relationship between EMF, internal resistance, and terminal potential difference.

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Homework Statement



State the magnitude of the terminal potential difference between two supply terminals which are connected to a piece of lead with negligible resistance. The EMF of the circuit is 5000V with internal resistance of 2,000,000 Ohms.

I don't really understand what "magnitude" means and it feels like I'm lacking information.

Homework Equations



I = V/R

V = EMF - Ir

r = 2,000,000 (as it's internal)
EMF = 5000V (given in question)
R = 2,000,000 (no load resistance, just internal)

The Attempt at a Solution



I = V/R = 5000/2000000 = 0.0025 A

Therefore: V = 5000 - (0.0025 X 2000000) = 0

I have no idea if I'm right or not or what this answer is actually telling me.
 
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What this is telling you is that the emf in the circuit is the pd across the internal resistance and there is no pd "left over" for the terminals or external circuit.
If the lead has negligible (=0) resistance, then by Ohm's Law V=IR, if R is zero then V is zero.
 

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