Question

Jorge wanted to find out how many 9-volt batteries connected in a series are required to create a 120-volt circuit. So, he divided 120 by 9 and concluded that he needed 13 1/3. Write a sentence explaining Jorge's mistake, and tell the correct answer.

Answer 1

Jorge needed to have over 13 (thirteen) 9 volt batteries to create 120 volts.

Step-by-step explanation:

Rather than saying he just needs 13 1/3 (one-quarter) 9 volt batteries, Jorge would have correctly concluded he needed over over 13 number of 9 volts battery to create 120 volts.

This is the case because in a series connection, two or more batteries are connected in a way that the same current would flow through each battery through their terminal. If he had taken note of the fact that each battery has an internal resistance, which may reduce the flow of current through the batteries Jorge would know that the 13 number of 9 volts batteries would not give exactly 120 volts because of the internal resistance of the battery circuit.