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 Emf 2 V and internal resistance 1.2 Ω is connected with an ammeter of resistance 0.8 Ω and two resistors of 4.5 Ω and 9 Ω as shown in the diagram below:

1) What would be the reading on the Ammeter?
2) What is the potential difference across the terminals of the cell?
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?
A battery of 4 cell, each of e.m.f. 1.5 volt and internal resistance 0.5 Ω is connected to three resistances as shown in the figure. Calculate:
(i) The total resistance of the circuit.
(ii) The current through the cell.
(iii) The current through each resistance.
(iv) The p.d. across each resistance.
Four cells each of e.m.f. 2V and internal resistance 0.1 Ω are connected in series to an ammeter of negligible resistance, a 1.6 Ω resistor and an unknown resistor R1. The current in the circuit is 2A. Draw a labelled diagram and calculate:

(i) Total resistance of the circuit,
(ii) Total e.m.f.
(iii) The value of R1 and
(iv) The p.d. across R1.
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.
(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.
Explain the meaning of the term internal resistance of a cell.
The diagram in Figure shows a cell of e.m.f. ε = 4 volt and internal resistance r = 2 ohm connected to an external resistance R = 8 ohm. The ammeter A measures the current in the circuit and the voltmeter V measures the terminal voltage across the cell. What will be the readings of the ammeter and voltmeter when
- the key K is open, and
- the key K is closed

A battery of e.m.f. 6.0 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 3 A, the voltmeter reads 5.4 V. Find the internal resistance of the battery.
