Question

The lamps in circuit drawn below are all identical, Each of the cells have a potential difference of 1.5 volts What is the potential difference across the 3 cells that are joined in series

Answer 1

In a series circuit, the total potential difference across three cells, each with a potential difference of 1.5 volts, is the sum of the individual voltages, adding up to 4.5 volts.

Step-by-step explanation:

When batteries are connected in series, the potential difference (voltage) across the combination is the sum of the individual cell voltages. Given that each cell has a potential difference of 1.5 volts, for three cells joined in series, the total potential difference across them would be:

1.5 V + 1.5 V + 1.5 V = 4.5 volts.

This is because, in a series circuit, there is no division of voltage among the components.

The entire voltage is 'shared' across the length of the circuit, and each component - such as a battery or a resistor - adds its voltage to the total. This fundamental principle of series circuits helps us understand that the potential difference across the three cells would therefore be the sum of their individual voltages.

Answer 2

4.5V

Step-by-step explanation:

In a arrangement of cells, the cells could be joined end to end(series) or to a common junction (parallel).

When cells are joined in series, the total emf of the cell is the sum of the individual emf of all the cells.

Hence;

Total emf = 1.5V + 1.5V + 1.5 V = 4.5 Volts