Advertisements
Advertisements
Question
Define the e.m.f. (E) of a cell and the potential difference (V) of a resistor R in terms of the work done in moving a unit charge. State the relation between these two works and the work done in moving a unit charge through a cell connected across the resistor. Take the internal resistance of the cell as ‘r’. Hence obtain an expression for the current i in the circuit.
Advertisements
Solution
E. M. F. of a cell is generally defined as the amount of work done (or the energy spent) in taking a unit positive charge around the complete circuit of the cell (i.e., in the wire outside the cell and the electrolyte within the cell). It is also defined as the potential difference between the terminals of a cell when no current is drawn from it (or when the cell is in open circuit).

Potential difference (p.d.) or the terminal voltage of a cell is generally defined as the amount of work done in carrying a unit positive charge round the circuit connected across the terminals of the cell. If W is the amount of work done (in J) in moving a test charge q between the terminals of a cell through a resistor R, then the p.d. i.e., work done in moving a unit positive charge across the terminals of the cell.
Relation between E, V (p.d.), external resistance R and the internal resistance r’,
Applying Ohm's law to external resistance only
I = `"V"/"R"` .....(i)
Again applying Ohm's law to complete circuit
I = `"E"/("R" + "r")` ....(ii)
Comparing I in (i) and (ii), We have
`"V"/"R" = "E"/("R" + "r")`
RELATED QUESTIONS
A cell of e.m.f ε and internal resistance r is used to send current to an external resistance R. Write expressions for
- the total resistance of circuit.
- the current drawn from the cell.
- the p.d. across the cell.
- voltage drop inside the cell.
Explain why the p.d across the terminals of a cell is more in an open circuit and reduced in a closed circuit.
A battery of e.m.f 3.0 V supplies current through a circuit in which the resistance can be changed.
A high resistance voltmeter is connected across the battery. When the current is 1.5 A, the voltmeter reads 2.7 V. Find the internal resistance of the battery.
A cell of e.m.f. ε and internal resistance 𝔯 sends current 1.0 A when it is connected to an external resistance 1.9 Ω. But it sends current 0.5 A when it is connected to an external resistance 3.9 Ω. Calculate the values of ε and 𝔯.
A cell of e.m.f. 2 V and internal resistance 1.2 Ω is connected to an ammeter of resistance 0.8 Ω and two resistors of 4.5 Ω and 9 Ω as shown in following figure.

Find:
- The reading of the ammeter,
- The potential difference across the terminals of the cells, and
- The potential difference across the 4.5 Ω resistor.
What is the colour code for the insulation on the earth wire?
Four cells, each of e.m.f. 1.5 V and internal resistance 2.0 ohms are connected in parallel. The battery of cells is connected to an external resistance of 2.5 ohms. Calculate:
(i) The total resistance of the circuit.
(ii) The current flowing in the external circuit.
(iii) The drop in potential across-the terminals of the cells.
A cell supplies a current of 0.6 A through a 2Ω coil and a current of 0.3 A through on 8Ω coil. Calculate the e.m.f and internal resistance of the cell.
When a resistance of 3Ω is connected across a cell, the current flowing is 0.5 A. On changing the resistance to 7Ω, the current becomes 0.25A. Calculate the e.m.f. and the internal resistance of the cell.
(a) Calculate the total resistance across AB.

(b) If a cell of e.m.f 2.4 V with negligible internal resistance is connected across AB then calculate the current drawn from the cell.
