Question

Cells are connected in series in order to:
(A) increase the voltage rating
(B) increase the electric current rating
(C) increase the life of cells
(D) none of above

Answer 1

This question is based on the concept of Kirchhoff’s law. Kirchhoff's First Law or Junction Rule states that the algebraic sum of electric currents at any junction of an electric circuit is equal to zero. Kirchhoff's second law or loop law states that the sum of all voltages around a closed loop in any circuit must be equal to zero.

Complete answer:
The cell has two terminals:
(A) Anode: Anode is the terminal from where the current flows in from out i.e. it provides an incoming channel for the current to enter the circuit or the device.
(B) Cathode: Cathode is the terminal from which the current flows out i.e. it provides an outgoing current flow from the circuit or the device.
The cells are connected in two combinations:
(A) Parallel combination: When the cells are connected in parallel combination all the positive terminals of all the cells are connected together and all the negative terminals are connected together.
(B) Series combination: When cells are connected in series combination the negative terminal of one cell is connected to the positive terminal of the other cell and vice-versa.
According to Kirchhoff’s law, when the cells are connected in series combination the voltage across the cells can be increased. This is because when the cells are connected in series, the voltage gets summed up due to which the voltage rating is increased.

Note:
As the cells connected in series have an advantage, similarly the cells connected in parallel also have an advantage. In parallel grouping, all anodes are connected at one point and all cathodes are connected together at other points. Therefore when cells are connected in parallel, the voltage remains the same, and internal resistance decreases, hence the current increases.