Question

During discharging of a cell, how does terminal voltage (V) compare to EMF (ε)?

Options

• V > ε

• V = ε

• V < ε

• V = ε/2

Answer 1

During discharge, current flows from the cell, causing a voltage drop across the internal resistance. Using the formula \[V = ε - Ir\], since the term \[Ir\] is positive and subtracted from ε, the terminal voltage is always less than the EMF during discharge. This voltage drop increases with higher current.