TABLE OF CONTENT

S.No DESCRIPTION PAGE.NO

01 INTRODUCTION 1

02 OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT 5

03 MATERIALS REQUIRED 5

04 THEORY 6

05 PROCEDURE 12

06 CALCULATIONS 13

07 OBSERVATION 14

08 RESULT 15

09 PRECAUTIONS 15

10 SOURCES OF ERROR 15

11 BIBLIOGRAPHY 15
 INTRODUCTION
What are cells?

A cell is a device that uses chemical energy to generate electricity and maintains
the flow of charge in a circuit. The energy is obtained from the chemical reactions that
take place within these cells. Cells are commonly referred to as batteries, which are an
essential day to day product required for a number of tasks. It is important to note that
a battery is a collection of cells. And when placed in different circuits (in series or
parallel), it functions differently.

Electric Cell

A cell consists of electrodes and electrolytes. The electrodes pass current in the
circuit as they are conductors. The electrode which has higher potential is called anode
or positive terminal of the cell. The electrode which has lower potential is called
cathode or negative terminal of the cell.

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 A cell supplies energy when it is connected to an external load. The flow of
current outside the cell is always from anode to cathode, while inside the cell the
current flows from cathode to anode.

Electromotive Force or EMF

EMF or electromotive force is defined as the potential difference between the

positive and negative electrodes when there is no current in the cell or when the cell is
in an open circuit. The flow of the current in the cell is initiated by the EMF of the cell.

The SI unit of EMF is Volts (V). The formula of EMF is-

𝐸
ε=
𝑄

Where, ε = emf (Volts),

E= Energy (Joules),

Q charge (Coulombs).

The formula of EMF can also be written as,

ε = IR +Ir

Where,

ε = emf (Volts),

I = Current (Ampere),

R = Load resistance in ohms,

r is the internal resistance of a cell in ohms.

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Internal Resistance

Internal resistance is defined as the resistance offered by the electrolyte and

electrodes when the current flows in the circuit. The flow of the current is opposed by
the electrolytes and electrodes. The internal resistance is denoted by the letter 'r'.

Let's consider a cell having two electrolytes which are connected to each other by
an external resistance which is denoted by 'R'. The current will flow from cathode to
anode.

Closed Circuit: V = V1+ V2 – Ir

Where V1+ V2 = initial potential difference,

Ir potential drop across the internal resistance.

Therefore V = ε - lr

Here epsilon = Emf V potential difference between 2 electrodes or it is the voltage

drop across external resistance 'R'.

 IR = ε – Ir

Only when the circuit is closed the internal resistance will play its role. It varies from
cell to cell. It is negligible where ε >> Ir .

EMF and Internal Resistance Equation

The emf denoted as & and the internal resistor with resistance r which is
connected in series modifies the cell. The resistance R with an external load resistor is
also connected across the circuit.

The potential difference, V across the cell is represented as:

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V = V+V – Ir

This represents the voltage drop present due to the internal resistance.

We know that:

ε = V + V⁻ = I(R + r)

ε = IR + Ir

= V + Ir

V = ε – Ir

Hence, V = ε – Ir

Here V is the potential difference across the circuit,

ε is the emf,

I is the current flowing through the circuit and r is internal resistance.

In most instances, the internal resistance of a cell is not considered because ε >> Ir.
Internal resistance usually changes in its value from cell to cell

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 OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

To understand and compare the effects of connecting cells in series and parallel
on voltage and current.

MATERIALS REQUIRED

 Battery
 Battery holder
 Connecting wires
 Voltmeter
 Ammeter
 Rheostat
 One way key

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 THEORY

Cells in Series and Parallel:

There are mainly two types of Connections of cells i.e. series and parallel. Cells
can be connected in series, parallel or a combination of both. In a series circuit,
electrons can travel only in one path. Here, the current passing through each resistor
will be the same. However the voltage across resistors in a series connection will be
different in each resistor. Thus circuits connected in series ensure that they do not
overheat easily. In a parallel circuit electrons travel in several branches. In the case of
a parallel circuit, the voltage remains the same across each resistor in the circuit and
the cells can be arranged in different forms. Hence parallel circuits are used as a current
divider and are easy to connect or disconnect a new cell or other component. This does
not affect the other elements in the circuit. However, it uses a lot of wires and that is
why the circuit becomes complex.

Cells in Series:

When multiple cells are arranged in a manner where the positive terminal from
the first cell is connected to the negative terminal of the next cell, and this sequence
continues, it is called a series. Specifically, this arrangement is known as a series
combination.

The arrangement is shown below:

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Let the EMF of the first cell = ε1 and EMF of the second cell = ε2.

Consider 3 points A, B and C as shown in the figure. The potential at point A = VA

potential at point B = VB and potential at point C = VC .

Let us assume that the circuit is closed. As a result, there will be some flow of current.
Resistance will be offered by the cell itself.

Internal resistance of first cell = r1 and Internal resistance of second cell = r2

Equation for potential difference ε (first cell):-

For an open circuit

Potential difference between points A and B (VA-VB) = potential difference between

the 2 electrodes.

Therefore VA-VB = ε1 – Ir1…Eq(i)

Where Ir1 is voltage drop across the internal resistance.

Similarly for equation for potential difference E2 (second cell):-

VB-VC = ε2 – Ir2 …Eq(ii)

Adding (i) and (ii),

VA- VC =ε1 – Ir1 + ε2 – Ir2 …Eq(iii)

Assuming if there are only 2 cells then the

EMF= εequivalent + Irequivalent …Eq(iv)

By comparing RHS of equations (iii) and (iv), we get

εequivalent = (ε1 + ε2) and requivalent = (r1+ r2)

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For cells arranged in series:

The sum of the individual EMFs is the equivalent EMF. The sum of the
individual resistances gives the equivalent resistance.

Cells in series and parallel Let n be the number of cells that are connected in
series and connected across an external resistance R.

Internal resistance of each cell = r

Emf = ε

Total resistance = R + requivalent

Where R = external resistance of the external circuit.

Total resistance = R + nr where nr (sum of all the n resistances).

Thus the effective Emf of cells = n* ε , where ne (EMF of each cell).

Therefore current flowing through resistance

Here current caused by a single cell across external resistance.

So, the current becomes n times the current caused by the single cell.

Current present in the circuit is equal to the current due to a single cell across.

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Cells in Parallel

A series of cells is said to be parallel when all the positive terminals are connected
together and all the negative terminals are connected together. In lieu of this
arrangement, the potential difference across each of those cells will be the same.

Potential difference (first cell) = ε1 ; Potential difference (second cell) = ε2

Internal resistance (first cell) r1 ; Internal resistance (second cell) = r2

The cell resistance is offered to the cell as current is flowing through it.

Equation for potential difference ε1 (first cell):

Potential difference between 2 points A and B.

Therefore V = ε1 - I1r1 (for first cell)

(current I gets divided into two parts I1 and I2 across ε1 )

I1 = (ε1 – V)/r1 ....Eq(i)

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Equation for potential difference ε2 (second cell):

V = ( ε2 - I2 )r2 (current I2 flows across ε2)

I2 = (ε2 - V )/ r2 ....Eq(ii)

Also, I = I1 + I2

Therefore using (i) and (ii)

I = (ε1 – V)/r1 + (ε2 - V )/ r2

 + - V( + )

V=I( + ) +( + ).....Eq(iii)

Consider only 1 cell instead of 2 cells, i.e.

Eequivalent = (ε1 and ε2 ) and resistance = requivalent = (r1 and r2)

Therefore V = εequivalent - Irequivalent ....Eq(iv)

After simplifying and comparing (iii) and (iv),

requivalent = + , εequivalent =

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Important Note:

 If cells are arranged in series, it increases the voltage.

 If cells are arranged in parallel, it increases the current.

Things to Remember

 A cell is a device that uses chemical energy to generate electricity and maintains
the flow of charge in a circuit.

 Cells are said to be connected in series when they are joined end to end so that
the same quantity of electricity must flow through each cell.

 Cells are connected in parallel when they are joined positive to positive and
negative to negative such that current is divided between the cells.

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 PROCEDURE
 Begin by setting up a simple circuit with one cell, a switch, an ammeter, a
voltmeter and a rheostat in series.

 Adjust the rheostat and measure different values of current and voltage.

 Repeat step 1 and 2 with additional cells connected in series (positive terminal
to negative terminal).

 Set up a circuit with one cell, a switch, an ammeter, and a voltmeter in parallel.
 Adjust the rheostat and measure different the current and voltage.

 Repeat step 4 and 5 with additional cells connected in parallel (positive terminal
to positive terminal, and negative terminal to negative terminal).

 Compare the results and observe how voltage and current change in series and
parallel configurations.

 Analyze the data and draw conclusions about the differences in voltage, current,
and resistance in series and parallel connections of cells.
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 CALCULATIONS
For series:

r= ε = 6V

V = 1V I = 1.15A
.
r= = = 4.34Ω
. .

V = 1.2V I = 1.05A
. .
r= = = 4.57Ω
. .

V = 1.4V I = 1A
. .
r= = = 4.6Ω

V = 1.6V I = 0.9A
. .
r= = = 4.8Ω
. .

For parallel:

r= ε = 3V

V = 1.6V I = 1.75A
. .
r= = = 0.8Ω
. .

V = 1.8V I = 1.5A
. .
r= = = 0.8Ω
. .

V = 1.9V I = 1.4A
. .
r= = = 0.78Ω
.

V = 2.5V I = 0.9A
. .
r= = = 0.6Ω
. .

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 OBSERVATIONS

Series Combination:

S.No Voltage reading Ammeter reading Internal resistance

1 1V 1.15A 4.34Ω

2 1.2V 1.05A 4.57Ω

3 1.4V 1A 4.6Ω

4 1.6V 0.9A 4.8Ω

Parallel combination:

S.No Voltage reading Ammeter reading Internal resistance

1 1.6V 1.75A 0.8Ω

2 1.8V 1.5A 0.8Ω

3 1.9V 1.4A 0.78Ω

4 2.5V 0.9A 0.6Ω

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 RESULT

 Hence the values for resistance in series combination is : 4.57 Ω

 For parallel combination the value of resistance is 0.74 Ω

PRECAUTIONS

 All the electrical connections must be neat and tight.

 Voltmeter and Ammeter must be of proper range.
 The key should be inserted only while taking readings.

SOURCES OF ERROR

 Wire may not be of uniform cross-section.

 Connections may not be tight or contact resistance may vary.
 Zero adjustment might not be proper.
 Faults in the calibration of meters.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

 Class 12 NCERT Physics Textbook

 Together With Physics Lab Manual for Class 12
 https://byjus.com/jee/parallel-combination-of-cells/
 https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/combination-of-cells-in-series-and- parallel/
 https://collegedunia.com/exams/combination-of-cells-in-series-and-in- parallel-
physics-articleid-34
 https://unacademy.com/content/neet-ug/study- material/physics/combination-
of-cells-in-series-and-in-parallel/

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