What does this thing on batteries mean?

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    Batteries Mean
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of a 6V battery when connected to a lamp, specifically addressing the concept of voltage, energy per coulomb, and how these relate to the components in the circuit. The scope includes conceptual clarification and technical explanation regarding voltage drops and battery capacity.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a 6V battery can supply 6V or if it depends on the needs of the components in the circuit.
  • Another participant challenges the phrasing "take 3V from each coulomb" as meaningless, prompting clarification.
  • A clarification is provided that "3V from each coulomb" is intended to mean 3 joules of energy per coulomb.
  • It is asserted that the battery will supply 6V to any lamp connected across it, as it is a 6V battery, with work done per unit charge being the potential difference.
  • A participant introduces the concept of battery capacity in mAh or Ah, explaining how to convert this to coulombs.
  • Further clarification is requested regarding standard terminology, explaining that a voltage drop of 3 volts indicates energy loss in the lamp, leaving 3 joules/coulomb for the rest of the circuit.
  • It is noted that while the battery supplies 6 volts, only half is utilized by the lamp, with the remainder available for other components in the circuit.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the initial phrasing and understanding of voltage in the context of the battery and lamp. There is no consensus on the interpretation of energy transfer and voltage drop, indicating ongoing debate.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding terminology and concepts may be unclear or misinterpreted, leading to confusion in the discussion. The relationship between voltage, energy per coulomb, and circuit components remains nuanced and is not fully resolved.

Sam19KY
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Say that 6V battery is connected to a lamp that takes 3V from each coulomb. Does that mean that the battery can supply 6V or dependent upon the need of components in the circuit ?
 
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Sam19KY said:
Say that 6V battery is connected to a lamp that takes 3V from each coulomb.
What do you mean? "Take 3V from each coulomb" is totally meaningless.
 
I mean 3 joules of energy from each coulomb.
 
Sam19KY said:
Does that mean that the battery can supply 6V or dependent upon the need of components in the circuit ?
It will supply 6V to any lamp connected across it since it is a 6V battery. Work done per unit charge is the potential difference, which is 6V here.
 
Sam19KY said:
Say that 6V battery is connected to a lamp that takes 3V from each coulomb. Does that mean that the battery can supply 6V or dependent upon the need of components in the circuit ?

Hi Sam. Is there any way you could clarify what you're asking using standard terminology? It sounds like you're referring to a lamp which has a voltage drop of 3 volts. Voltage drop is the loss of energy as current flows through a circuit. A voltage drop of 3 volts means that for every coulomb of charge that passes through the lamp, 3 joules of energy are "lost" to the lamp, leaving a remaining 3 joules/coulomb for the rest of the circuit.

Sam19KY said:
Does that mean that the battery can supply 6V or dependent upon the need of components in the circuit ?

It means that while the battery is supplying 6 volts to the circuit as a whole, only half of that is being used by the lamp. The other 3 volts are being used elsewhere in the circuit.
 
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