A resistor of resistance $R$ and three identical cells of emf $E$ and internal resistance $r$ are connected as shown - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 28 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 28
A resistor of resistance $R$ and three identical cells of emf $E$ and internal resistance $r$ are connected as shown.
What is the current in the resistor?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A resistor of resistance $R$ and three identical cells of emf $E$ and internal resistance $r$ are connected as shown - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 28 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Calculate the Total Voltage
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Answer
Since there are three identical cells connected in series, the total voltage, Vtotal, across the circuit can be calculated as:
Vtotal=3E
Step 2
Calculate the Total Internal Resistance
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Answer
The total internal resistance, Rtotal, of the three cells in series is:
Rtotal=3r
Step 3
Determine the Total Resistance in the Circuit
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Answer
The total resistance in the circuit combines the external resistor and the total internal resistance:
Rcircuit=R+3r
Step 4
Apply Ohm's Law to Find the Current
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Answer
Using Ohm's law, the current I in the circuit can be found by: