Question

When a battery is connected across a resistor of $16\,Ω$, the voltage across the resistor is $12\,V$. When the same battery is connected across a resistor of $10\,Ω$, voltage across it is $11\,V$. The internal resistance of the battery in Ohms is
A. $\dfrac{10}{7}$
B. $\dfrac{20}{7}$
C. $\dfrac{25}{7}$
D. $\dfrac{10}{7}$

Answer 1

To answer this question, we first need to understand what is ohm’s law. The relationship between current, voltage, and resistance is described by Ohm's law. The potential difference, or voltage, across a large number of materials is precisely proportional to the amount of continuous current flowing through them.

Complete step by step answer:
Voltage distribution law for series resistance - Resistors in series carry the same current, but their varied resistance values because various voltage drops across each resistor, according to Ohm's Law ($V = IR$). Then there are voltage dividers, which are series circuits.
Case 1: $R = 16\,Ω$ (given)
${V_R}$= 12 V
Let us assume that the internal resistance of the battery be ${R_b}$ Ω and ${V_b}$ be the voltage of the battery. So, by ohm’s law
${V_R} = \dfrac{R}{{R + {R_b}}}{V_b}$ (by voltage distribution law).
Substituting values
$12 = \dfrac{{16}}{{16 + {R_b}}}{V_b}$
By solving this equation, we get
${V_b} = \dfrac{{48 + 3{R_b}}}{4}$ (mark this as equation 1)

Case 2: $R = 10\,Ω$ (given)
${V_R}$= 11 V
Let us assume that the internal resistance of the battery be ${R_b}$ Ω and ${V_b}$be the voltage of the battery. So, by ohm’s law
${V_R} = \dfrac{R}{{R + {R_b}}}{V_b}$ (by voltage distribution law).
Substituting values
$11 = \dfrac{{10}}{{10 + {R_b}}}{V_b}$

By solving this equation, we get
${V_b} = \dfrac{{110 + 11{R_b}}}{{10}}$ (mark this as equation 2)
Equating the marked equation 1 and 2.
$\dfrac{{48 + 3{R_b}}}{4} = \dfrac{{110 + 11{R_b}}}{{10}}$
Solving further we get,
$240 + 15{R_b} = 220 + 22{R_b}$
We get
$20 = 7{R_b}$
$\therefore {R_b}=\dfrac{20}{7}$
So, the final value of internal resistance is 20/7.

Therefore option B is the correct answer.

Note: A battery's internal resistance (IR) is defined as the resistance to current flow within the battery. Electronic resistance and ionic resistance are the two main factors that influence a battery's internal resistance.