Question

The voltage across the terminals of a generator is 5.7 v when it supplies a current of 0.3 A. It becomes 5.1 V when I=0.9A. Find its emf and it's internal resistance

Answer 1

Answer:

• The emf of the generator is 6V

• The internal resistance of the generator is 1 Ω

Explanation:

Given;

terminal voltage, V = 5.7 V, when the current, I = 0.3 A

terminal voltage, V = 5.1 V, when the current, I = 0.9 A

The emf of the generator is calculated as;

E = V + Ir

where;

E is the emf of the generator

r is the internal resistance

First case:

E = 5.7   + 0.3r -------- (1)

Second case:

E = 5.1 + 0.9r -------- (2)

Since the emf E, is constant in both equations, we will have the following;

5.1 + 0.9r = 5.7   + 0.3r  

collect similar terms together;

0.9r - 0.3r = 5.7 - 5.1

0.6r = 0.6

r = 0.6/0.6

r = 1 Ω

Now, determine the emf of the generator;

E = V + Ir

E = 5.1 + 0.9x1

E = 5.1 + 0.9

E = 6 V