HELP! Physics problem! Circuits and resistance question!

Tweak155

Lifer
Sep 23, 2003
11,448
262
126
please help, ive spent too long trying to figure this out, its killing me...anyone know how to do this?

A solar cell generates a potential difference of 0.345 V when a 700ohm resistor is connected across it, and a potential difference of 0.373 V when a 840ohm resistor is substituted. What are (a) the internal resistance (ohm) and (b) the emf (in volts, V) of the solar cell?


HELP!!!!! please!

thanks

BTW:
I have the correct answers but i have to show how to do it, the right answers are:
a.) 600 ohms
b.) .64 V
 

Darien

Platinum Member
Feb 27, 2002
2,817
1
0
V = EMF - I*r, small r = internal resistance

V = IR (ohms law)

so I = V/R

and

V = EMF - V/R * r

with your values, you get 2 equations and 2 unknowns
 

Tweak155

Lifer
Sep 23, 2003
11,448
262
126
V = EMF - I*r

Which V is that? You have to assume you dont know the answers to the problem...
 

Darien

Platinum Member
Feb 27, 2002
2,817
1
0
note: your answers of 600 ohms and .64 V are what you get after rounding.
 

Tweak155

Lifer
Sep 23, 2003
11,448
262
126
V=I(R+r)

.345=I(700+r)

.373=I(840+r)

The currents in the 2 situations arent the same...