Calculating Internal Resistance: Methods A and B

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the internal resistance of a battery using two methods, A and B, with specific voltmeter and ammeter readings. Method A yields an unknown resistor value of 6.08 Ω, while Method B gives 6.17 Ω. Participants explore the application of Kirchhoff's laws and Ohm's Law to solve for internal resistances, emphasizing the need to account for the internal resistances of the voltmeter and ammeter. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding circuit configurations, particularly how resistances are arranged in series and parallel. Ultimately, the voltage difference between points in the circuit is determined to be 0.02 V, aiding in the calculation of internal resistance.
Adriano25
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Homework Statement


[/B]
Calculate the internal resistance of V & A based on methods A & B below:

Method A

1.png

Voltmeter = 1.46 V
Ammeter = 0.24 A
E (emf of battery) = 1.48 V

Method B
2.png

Voltmeter = 1.48 V
Ammeter = 0.24 A
E (emf of battery) = 1.48 V

Homework Equations



Ohm's Law: V = I*R

The Attempt at a Solution



For method A, the current of the ammeter (II) splits into Iv (current of voltmeter) and IRX (current of unknown resistor). Also there will be an unknown resistance of voltmeter (RV) and an unknown resistance of ammeter (RI).
I found a relationship using Kirchhoff's current law:
II = IV + IRX
Then, I tried to use Kirchhoff's voltage law through both loops, but I'm ending up with too many unknowns. Am I going on the right path?

Also, I'm not sure if I could find the unknown Rx by just using Ohm's Law:
Method A:
Rx = V / I
Rx = 1.46 V / 0.24 A = 6.08 Ω

Method B:
Rx = V / I
Rx = 1.48 V / 0.24 A = 6.17 Ω
 
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Adriano25 said:

Homework Statement


[/B]
Calculate the internal resistance of V & A based on methods A & B below:

Method A

View attachment 113855
Voltmeter = 1.46 V
Ammeter = 0.24 A
E (emf of battery) = 1.48 V

Method B
View attachment 113856
Voltmeter = 1.48 V
Ammeter = 0.24 A
E (emf of battery) = 1.48 V

Homework Equations



Ohm's Law: V = I*R

The Attempt at a Solution



For method A, the current of the ammeter (II) splits into Iv (current of voltmeter) and IRX (current of unknown resistor). Also there will be an unknown resistance of voltmeter (RV) and an unknown resistance of ammeter (RI).
I found a relationship using Kirchhoff's current law:
II = IV + IRX
Then, I tried to use Kirchhoff's voltage law through both loops, but I'm ending up with too many unknowns. Am I going on the right path?

Also, I'm not sure if I could find the unknown Rx by just using Ohm's Law:
Method A:
Rx = V / I
Rx = 1.46 V / 0.24 A = 6.08 Ω

Method B:
Rx = V / I
Rx = 1.48 V / 0.24 A = 6.17 Ω
No, your simple method is not correct. You have to calculate with the internal resistances, Rv and Ri. Include them into the drawings, Rv parallel with the voltmeter and Ri in series with the ammeter.

upload_2017-2-28_8-4-9.png
 
From method 1, would that mean that I can find an equivalent resistance from Rv and Rx using the parallel circuit formula?
Also, from method 2, I could find an equivalent resistance from Ri and Rx using the series circuit formula?
I'm still not sure how that would help me in solving the problem.
 
Adriano25 said:
From method 1, would that mean that I can find an equivalent resistance from Rv and Rx using the parallel circuit formula?
Also, from method 2, I could find an equivalent resistance from Ri and Rx using the series circuit formula?
I'm still not sure how that would help me in solving the problem.
Yes.
In case A, the voltage difference E-Uv falls on the internal resistance of the ammeter. You know also the current flowing through Ri, so you can calculate it. In case B, you know the voltage across Rx+Rv, and you also know the current. Apply Ohm's Law to get Rx+Ri. But you know Ri already...
 
ehild said:
Yes.
In case A, the voltage difference E-Uv falls on the internal resistance of the ammeter. You know also the current flowing through Ri, so you can calculate it. In case B, you know the voltage across Rx+Rv, and you also know the current. Apply Ohm's Law to get Rx+Ri. But you know Ri already...

I'm sorry, I don't follow you. Could you please reexplain it? Thank you.
 
Adriano25 said:
I'm sorry, I don't follow you. Could you please reexplain it? Thank you.
What is that you do not understand?
Look at the figure A. The meters are replaced by ideal ones, together with the internal resistances. The EMF of the (ideal) battery is 1.48 V, and the voltmeter reads 1.46 V. What is the potential difference between P and O?

upload_2017-3-1_5-33-15.png
 
ehild said:
What is that you do not understand?
Look at the figure A. The meters are replaced by ideal ones, together with the internal resistances. The EMF of the (ideal) battery is 1.48 V, and the voltmeter reads 1.46 V. What is the potential difference between P and O?

View attachment 113908
The potential difference between P and O would be V = Ii * Ri
 
Adriano25 said:
The potential difference between P and O would be V = Ii * Ri
Yes, and what is the numerical value?
 
ehild said:
Yes, and what is the numerical value?
But we don't know Ri.
I was thinking that since Rx and Rv are in parallel, they share the same voltage, so V1 = 1.46.
Then, using Kirchhoff's voltage law:
-V1 * Ii - Ri * Ii + E = 0
so, Ri = 4.7 Ω ?
 
  • #10
Adriano25 said:
But we don't know Ri.
I was thinking that since Rx and Rv are in parallel, they share the same voltage, so V1 = 1.46.
Then, using Kirchhoff's voltage law:
-V1 * Ii - Ri * Ii + E = 0
so, Ri = 4.7 Ω ?
V1*Ii is not voltage, you can not add it to voltages.
 
  • #11
Ups..
-Rx*Ii - Ri * Ii + E = 0
Ri = 0.04 Ω
 
  • #12
Adriano25 said:
Ups..
-Rx*Ii - Ri * Ii + E = 0
Ri = 0.04 Ω
No. Rx and Ri are not in series, they have different currents.
You know the KVL. The voltages add in a loop. The voltage between Q and P is shown by the voltmeter, it is 1.46 V. The voltage between Q and O is the same as the emf of the battery. What is the numerical value of the voltage between P and O?
 
  • #13
Then it would just be the difference between QO and QP, so the voltage between P and O would be 0.02 V?
 
  • #14
Adriano25 said:
Then it would just be the difference between QO and QP, so the voltage between P and O would be 0.02 V?
YES!
 

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