What is a parallel connection of cells? Obtain the equation for the equivalent emf of two cells connected in parallel.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) If the positive terminals of given cells are connected at one point and the negative terminals are connected at another point,then such a connection is called a parallel connection of cells.
As shown in the figure,two cells with emf $\varepsilon_{1}$ and $\varepsilon_{2}$ and internal resistances $r_{1}$ and $r_{2}$ respectively are connected in parallel between points $B_{1}$ and $B_{2}$.
The current in the cell with emf $\varepsilon_{1}$ is $I_{1}$ and in the cell with emf $\varepsilon_{2}$ is $I_{2}$.
The total current at junction $B_{1}$ is $I = I_{1} + I_{2}$.
Let the potentials at $B_{1}$ and $B_{2}$ be $V(B_{1})$ and $V(B_{2})$ respectively. The potential difference $V = V(B_{1}) - V(B_{2})$ across each cell is given by:
$V = \varepsilon_{1} - I_{1}r_{1} \implies I_{1} = \frac{\varepsilon_{1} - V}{r_{1}}$
$V = \varepsilon_{2} - I_{2}r_{2} \implies I_{2} = \frac{\varepsilon_{2} - V}{r_{2}}$
Substituting these into the total current equation:
$I = \frac{\varepsilon_{1} - V}{r_{1}} + \frac{\varepsilon_{2} - V}{r_{2}} = \left( \frac{\varepsilon_{1}}{r_{1}} + \frac{\varepsilon_{2}}{r_{2}} \right) - V \left( \frac{1}{r_{1}} + \frac{1}{r_{2}} \right)$
Rearranging for $V$:
$V \left( \frac{r_{1} + r_{2}}{r_{1}r_{2}} \right) = \left( \frac{\varepsilon_{1}r_{2} + \varepsilon_{2}r_{1}}{r_{1}r_{2}} \right) - I$
$V = \left( \frac{\varepsilon_{1}r_{2} + \varepsilon_{2}r_{1}}{r_{1} + r_{2}} \right) - I \left( \frac{r_{1}r_{2}}{r_{1} + r_{2}} \right)$
Comparing this with the equivalent circuit equation $V = \varepsilon_{eq} - Ir_{eq}$,we get:
$\varepsilon_{eq} = \frac{\varepsilon_{1}r_{2} + \varepsilon_{2}r_{1}}{r_{1} + r_{2}}$ and $r_{eq} = \frac{r_{1}r_{2}}{r_{1} + r_{2}}$.

Explore More

Similar Questions

$A$ $10\,V$ battery with internal resistance $1\,\Omega$ and a $15\,V$ battery with internal resistance $0.6\,\Omega$ are connected in parallel to a voltmeter (see figure). The reading in the voltmeter will be close to ................ $V$.

Three identical cells,each of emf $10 \ V$ and internal resistance $3 \ \Omega$,are connected in parallel across terminals $A$ and $B$. The net emf across $A$ and $B$ is .......... $V$.

Two cells with the same e.m.f. $E$ and different internal resistances $r_1$ and $r_2$ are connected in series to an external resistance $R$. The value of $R$ so that the potential difference across the first cell is zero is

Two cells are connected in opposition as shown. Cell $E_1$ has an electromotive force (emf) of $8 \ V$ and an internal resistance of $2 \ \Omega$; cell $E_2$ has an emf of $2 \ V$ and an internal resistance of $4 \ \Omega$. The terminal potential difference of cell $E_2$ is: (in $V$)

For two cells having the same $EMF$ $E$ and internal resistance $r$, the current passing through an external resistor of $6 \ \Omega$ is the same when both cells are connected either in parallel or in series. The value of internal resistance $r$ is . . . . . . $ \ \Omega$.

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo