Two batteries with inner resistor in parallel

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a homework problem involving two batteries connected in parallel with an 80-ohm resistor. The user calculated the terminal voltage to be approximately 94.66V, leading to a current of 1.183A across the resistor. There was confusion regarding the application of the current divider rule, as the setup was misinterpreted. Clarification was provided that a Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) equation is more appropriate for this circuit configuration. Proper terminology in circuit analysis is emphasized as crucial for understanding the problem correctly.
lalallaland
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Homework Statement
two batteries A and B are connected in parallel, and an 80 ohm resistor is connected across the battery terminals. the e.m.f and the internal resistance of battery A are 100V and 5ohms respectively, and the corresponding values for battery B are 95V and 3ohms respectively.
Relevant Equations
Calculate the value and direction of the current in each battery.
I am kind of stuck at this exercise and I would like some help.

Thanks a lot!
 
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lalallaland said:
Homework Statement: two batteries A and B are connected in parallel, and an 80 ohm resistor is connected across the battery terminals. the e.m.f and the internal resistance of battery A are 100V and 5ohms respectively, and the corresponding values for battery B are 95V and 3ohms respectively.
Homework Equations: Calculate the value and direction of the current in each battery.

I am kind of stuck at this exercise and I would like some help.

Thanks a lot!
Please draw the circuit and show us how you would set up the KCL equations. Thanks
 
Hi berkeman,

I started to calculate the terminal voltage, cause I thought that might help.
v= terminal voltage

(v/80) + (v-100)/5 + (v-95)/3 =0

v=94.66 V

with that, I calculated the current across the 80 ohm resistor:

I=v/R = 94.66/80 = 1.183

From the answer sheet, I know that this is correct as it is the sum of the individual currents in each battery.
But I do not know how to calculate it. I tried using the current divider rule, but it doesn't work.

Thanks for your help.
 

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Ah, sorry, the drawing helps a lot. I thought the resistor was in parallel with the mismatched batteries, so that's why I asked for the KCL equation(s).

Since it is just one loop per the figure, a KVL equation is the better fit. Can you write that equation to see if it helps? The current around the loop through the various components is the same, right?
 
lalallaland said:
Homework Statement: two batteries A and B are connected in parallel
As has been pointed out, they are then NOT in parallel. This is not just semantics. It is important to use proper terminology in science.
 
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