What happens when we connect 2 batteries + with +, - with -?

AI Thread Summary
Connecting two batteries in parallel with their positive terminals together and negative terminals together results in no change in voltage, assuming both batteries have the same voltage. This configuration maintains the same potential difference, but effectively doubles the amp-hour capacity of the combined battery system. While the voltage remains constant, the increased current capacity could allow devices connected to the batteries to draw more current without draining the batteries as quickly. However, if the batteries were connected in series (positive to negative), it would lead to a rapid drain and potential overheating of the wires. Thus, the key takeaway is that parallel connection enhances capacity without altering voltage.
CasterlyRock
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Homework Statement


Batteries are connected together with their + and - poles.

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


I quess that nothing happens because there is no change in potential difference.
 
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Exactly. Assuming of course that the two batteries do have the same voltage, nothing will happen. (If you connect them + to - and - to +, the two batteries will quickly drain and the wires connecting them may over heat. Not a good thing to do!)
 
CasterlyRock said:
I quess that nothing happens because there is no voltage difference.
Sounds reasonable. Are you possibly also supposed to make an observation about the properties of the resulting battery pair?
 
No, it only says that batteries are the same.
 
CasterlyRock said:
No, it only says that batteries are the same.
I meant properties of the pair after connection compared to a single battery. Volts? Amps? Amp-hour capacity?
 
insightful said:
I meant properties of the pair after connection compared to a single battery. Volts? Amps? Amp-hour capacity?
Really nothing except what I wrote. The question has a conceptual nature. I assumed that when connected, batteries are in parallel, that means the same potential as it was, so nothing changes.
 
Could you not say that you produced a "new" battery with the same volts, but twice the amp and amp-hour capacity?
 
insightful said:
Could you not say that you produced a "new" battery with the same volts, but twice the amp and amp-hour capacity?
I don't understand. Do you mean if I would apply a resistor to that new one battery (lets say a resistor is a lightbulb) it would shine brighter than one applied to the original battery?
 
CasterlyRock said:
I don't understand. Do you mean if I would apply a resistor to that new one battery (lets say a resistor is a lightbulb) it would shine brighter than one applied to the original battery?
Why would it shine brighter with the same volts applied?
 
  • #10
P=I^2*R. You've said that amp is greater than before.
 
  • #11
CasterlyRock said:
P=I^2*R. You've said that amp is greater than before.
No, I said the amp capacity is greater than before. How much greater?
 
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