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Experiment 3: Combination of Resistors

Laboratory Report

Villanueva, Gianne & Villanueva, Zyrell May

Department of Math and Physics
College of Science, University of Santo Tomas
Espaa, Manila, Philippines



Abstract
Using a multimeter, the electromotive force
and the internal resistance of a cell and
combination of cells was determined. The
result in the cells in series is 518.33 and
the result in the cells in parallel is 225.53.
I. Introduction
The internal resistance of a battery
determines if the battery is still useful
because when the resistance is higher than
the amount of power it supplies it can no
longer provide power. Batteries and cells
have resistance internally to resist the flow
of current, and that internal resistance is
measured in ohms ()
[1]
. The electromotive
force (E) is measured in volts (V), and it is
the potential difference across the terminals
of the cell. The current (I) is the flow of
energy in the circuit that is measured in
amperes (A). The objectives of this
experiment are to determine the
electromotive force of a cell and
combination of cells, and determine the
internal resistance of a cell and combination
of cells.
II. Theory

To get the Internal Resistance,

[ Eq. 1]

Where,
r- Internal resistance
E- Electromotive force
I- Current
R- Resistance

III. Methodology
The materials in this experiment
include 2 battery cells, resistors, a
multimeter (and probes), and connecting
wires. In activity 1, the electromotive force
(E) for the two cells (Trial 1, and Trial 2)
was determined by connecting the
multimeter directly across the terminals of
each battery cell and then the value was
recorded. A known resistance (R) was
connected in series with the cell as shown on
Figure 1, and the current (I) was measured
using the multimeter. Using the equation for
the internal resistance, the known values
were plugged in and calculated. In activity
2, the two battery cells were connected with
a resistor in series combination, and the
electromotive force and current was
determined using the multimeter. The two
battery cells were then connected with a
resistor in parallel combination and again,
the electromotive force and current was
2

determined using the multimeter. The
internal resistance was calculated once the
E, I, and R values were known.

Figure 1. Series Combination

IV. Results and Discussions
In activity 2: Electromotive force and
Internal resistance of a Cell
Trial 1 Trial 2
Elec. Force 6.7V 3.7V
Current 6mA 2mA
Known Res. 10x

10 x

Internal Res. 116 850
Table 1. Series Circuit
The group had two trials and the internal
resistance is huge. This may result to
In activity 3: Combination of Cells
Trial 1 Trial 2
Elec. Force 9.11V 5.76V
Current 6mA 4.7mA
Known Res. 10x

10 x

Internal Res. 518.33 225.53
Table 2. Parallel Circuit
In parallel circuit we also got higher internal
resistance and it may be due to the small
amount of current in the cell.
V. Conclusion

The group had determined the
electromotive force of the cell and
combination of cells. The internal resistance
of a cell and combination of a cell was also
determined.

VI. References
[1] Electromotive force and internal
resistance. (2014). Retrieved from
http://physicsnet.co.uk/a-level-physics-as-
a2/current-electricity/electromotive-force-
and-internal-resistance/