EMFs in series and in Parallel

In summary, the conversation discusses two circuits with 2 batteries each having a 1.5V potential and a 3 Ohms internal resistance, and a resistor of 50 ohms. The first circuit arranges the batteries in series and the second circuit arranges them in parallel. The question is which configuration produces more power. It is stated that the series configuration produces more potential and current, while the parallel configuration can avoid power loss due to lower current. However, the advantage of arranging 2 batteries in parallel is not clear. To determine the answer, the quantitative work must be done to calculate the powers involved.
  • #1
orthovector
115
0

Homework Statement


2 batteries both 1.5V
Each battery has internal resistance, r=3 Ohms.
one Resistor R=50 ohms is in the circuit.

the first circuit is arranged with the two batteries in Series.

the second configuration puts the two batteries in parallel arrangement.Which configuration produces more Power?

It's obvious that the series configuration will produce more potential and more current through the Resistor, R.

However, the parallel configuration can avoid more Power loss due to the lower current.

I'm not sure what is the advantage of arranging 2 batteries in the parallel configuration when this configuration produces less current to the Resistor R than the series configuration.
 
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  • #2
any ideas?
 
  • #3
orthovector said:

Homework Statement


2 batteries both 1.5V
Each battery has internal resistance, r=3 Ohms.
one Resistor R=50 ohms is in the circuit.

the first circuit is arranged with the two batteries in Series.

the second configuration puts the two batteries in parallel arrangement.


Which configuration produces more Power?

It's obvious that the series configuration will produce more potential and more current through the Resistor, R.

However, the parallel configuration can avoid more Power loss due to the lower current.

I'm not sure what is the advantage of arranging 2 batteries in the parallel configuration when this configuration produces less current to the Resistor R than the series configuration.

You are given the numbers, so you can calculate the powers involved. Please show your quantitative work and tell us what answer that shows.
 

Related to EMFs in series and in Parallel

1. What is the difference between EMFs in series and in parallel?

In series, EMFs are connected end to end, with the positive terminal of one EMF connected to the negative terminal of the next. This results in a cumulative effect, where the total EMF is the sum of each individual EMF. In parallel, EMFs are connected side by side, with all positive terminals connected to one another and all negative terminals connected to one another. This results in a shared effect, where the total EMF is equal to the highest individual EMF.

2. How do EMFs in series and in parallel affect each other?

In series, EMFs add together, resulting in a higher total EMF. However, the overall current remains the same as the current through each individual EMF. In parallel, the EMFs share the same current, but the total EMF is equal to the highest individual EMF.

3. Can EMFs in series and in parallel cancel each other out?

In series, EMFs can cancel each other out if the total EMF is equal to 0. In parallel, EMFs cannot cancel each other out as the total EMF will always be equal to the highest individual EMF.

4. How do EMFs in series and in parallel affect the voltage and current?

In series, the voltage adds together while the current remains the same. In parallel, the current adds together while the voltage remains the same.

5. What are some real-world examples of EMFs in series and in parallel?

Some examples of EMFs in series include batteries connected end to end in a flashlight or Christmas lights connected in a series circuit. Examples of EMFs in parallel include the outlets in our homes, where multiple devices can be plugged in and powered by the same voltage, and the cells in a car battery, which are connected in parallel to provide a higher overall current.

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