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Standard automobile batteries have six lead-acid cells in series, creating a total emf of \(12.0 \mathrm{~V}\). What is the emf of an individual lead-acid cell?

Short Answer

Expert verified
EMF of individual cell is 2.0 V.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the Total EMF and Cell Count

The total electromotive force (emf) of the automobile battery is given as \( 12.0 \text{ V} \). The battery consists of 6 cells connected in series.
02

Understand Series Connection of Cells

In a series connection, the total emf of the battery is the sum of the emfs of each individual cell. Hence, if we have \( n \) cells, each cell contributing an emf of \( E \), then: \( ext{Total emf} = n \times E \).
03

Calculate the EMF of One Cell

Given \( n = 6 \) (the number of cells in series) and \( ext{Total emf} = 12.0 \text{ V} \), use the formula \( 12.0 \text{ V} = 6 \times E \) to find \( E \). Thus, \( E = \frac{12.0 \text{ V}}{6} = 2.0 \text{ V} \).
04

Verify the Solution

Multiply the emf of the individual cell \( 2.0 \text{ V} \) by 6 to check the total emf: \( 6 \times 2.0 \text{ V} = 12.0 \text{ V} \), confirming that our calculation is correct.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Series Circuit
A series circuit is a configuration where components are connected end-to-end in a single path for the flow of current. In the context of batteries, the positive terminal of one cell is connected to the negative terminal of the next, creating a chain. This arrangement has key characteristics:
  • Single Path: There is only one path for the flow of electrons. A break at any point stops the entire circuit from carrying current.
  • Cumulative Voltage: The total electromotive force (emf) is the sum of all individual emfs across each component. For example, in a battery with multiple cells in series, each cell's emf adds up to the total voltage output.
  • Same Current: All components share the same current since there is only a single loop for current flow.
Understanding series circuits is crucial when working with batteries, as it helps determine the total voltage provided by the cells.
Lead-Acid Battery
Lead-acid batteries are common rechargeable batteries used in various applications, most notably in automotive vehicles. These batteries work on the principle of electrochemical conversion:
  • Components: Each cell contains lead dioxide (positive plate), sponge lead (negative plate), and a sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte. When a battery discharges, the chemical reactions work to release electrical energy.
  • Advantages: They are known for providing substantial power in short bursts necessary for starting engines. Lead-acid batteries are economical and reliable for this purpose.
  • Charging and Discharging: During discharge, these batteries convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy, while charging reverses the chemical reactions to store energy once again.
Despite their advantages, one must handle lead-acid batteries with care due to the corrosive nature of the electrolyte and the potential release of hydrogen gas during charging.
Electrical Cells
Electrical cells are the basic building blocks of batteries, converting chemical energy into electrical energy through electrochemical reactions. Each cell consists of three main components:
  • Anode and Cathode: These are the electrodes where reactions occur. The anode releases electrons into the circuit, while the cathode receives electrons.
  • Electrolyte: A substance, often in liquid form or gel, allowing ions to move between the electrodes, facilitating the electrochemical cell reaction.
  • EMF: Each cell possesses an electromotive force (emf), which is the potential difference driving the flow of electrons in the external circuit. The emf of a cell depends on the materials used and the reaction taking place.
In series, multiple electrical cells combine their emfs to increase the total voltage, as seen in lead-acid batteries used in cars, where each cell typically provides an emf of around 2 volts.

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