Answer to Question #296253 in Electric Circuits for thana

Question

Four 15-V cells are connected in a (a) series and (b) parallel. For each case, find the total voltage (V_T). Suppose you divide the cells into two groups, each group consisting of two series cells. Then you connect these two groups parallel to each other. Also find the total voltage.

Answer 1

Explanations & Calculations

• Assuming the cells to be ideal: no internal resistance,

a)

• The series arrangement adds up the voltages, then the total voltage is $\small (15\times4 = ) \,60\,V$ .

b)

• A parallel arrangement keeps the voltage at the same value but enhances the capacity of the pack of cells. Then the total voltage is $\small 15\,V$

c)

• Series arrangement in a group results in a double in the voltage like $\small (15+15 = )\,30\,V$
• Then, a parallel arrangement of two of these sets does not make any difference rather continues the same voltage as the pack of 2 series cells. Therefore, the final voltage is $\small 30\,V$