Basic EMF Problem: Find r Given E, R, and V

  • Thread starter ttran1117
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Emf
In summary, the conversation discusses a problem where a battery with an emf E and internal resistance r is connected to an external resistor R. The potential difference across the circuit is measured at 9.5 V when R=4 ohms and at 10.0 V when R=6 ohms. The problem does not ask a specific question, but rather asks for a mathematical description of the system. The solution involves solving for one variable in terms of the other, as there are 2 unknown variables.
  • #1
ttran1117
7
0

Homework Statement



A battery has an emf E and an internal resistance r. IT is connected to an external resistor R. When R=4 ohms, the potential difference is 9.5 V. When R = 6 ohms, the potential difference is 10.0 V

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Rtotal = R + r
I = V/Rtotal
E = V/Rr + V_ba
when I equate both to try to solve for r, I still end up getting an unknown of 2 variables. Any help would greatly be appreciated. Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
When you say the potential difference is 9.5 V and then 10 V you are referring to the potential difference across what circuit element? Also, what is the question? The internal resistance of the battery?
 
  • #3
That's just how the problem is given. I am totally lost, and what's worse is, the rest of the homework problems I have to do builds on top of this. I been at this for the past 2 hours and I keep running into 2 unknowns. Can anyone please provide a solution for this? Thanks
 
  • #4
The problem is not asking a question, so there's nothing to solve for. If you want to describe the system mathematically then just solve for one variable in terms of the other variable. You may not know was both variables are, but you can derive the relationship between them.
 

FAQ: Basic EMF Problem: Find r Given E, R, and V

How do you find the value of r in a basic EMF problem given E, R, and V?

In order to find the value of r, you can use the equation r = V/E - R, where V is the voltage, E is the electromotive force, and R is the resistance. Simply plug in the values for V, E, and R and solve for r.

Can you explain the concept of EMF and how it relates to this problem?

EMF stands for electromotive force and it is a measure of the potential difference between two points in a circuit. In this problem, we are using the equation r = V/E - R to find the value of r, which represents the internal resistance of the circuit.

What units should be used when solving this problem?

The units for voltage (V), electromotive force (E), and resistance (R) should all be consistent. Common units used are volts (V) for voltage, volts (V) for electromotive force, and ohms (Ω) for resistance.

Are there any other equations or formulas that can be used to solve this type of problem?

Yes, there are other equations that can be used for solving basic EMF problems, such as Ohm's law (V = IR) and the power equation (P = VI). However, the equation r = V/E - R is specifically used for finding the value of r in this type of problem.

Is there a specific order in which the values for V, E, and R should be plugged into the equation?

No, there is no specific order in which the values should be plugged into the equation. As long as the units are consistent, you can plug in the values in any order and still get the correct answer.

Back
Top