PHYSICS INVESTIGATORY PROJECT
Topic:
To study various factors on which the internal resistance / EMF of a cell depends
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Submitted To:
________________________
(Physics Teacher)
Submitted By:
Name: ____________________
Class: ____________________
Section: __________________
Roll No.: __________________
School Name: ____________________
Session: 20__ – 20__
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my respected Physics teacher for his/her
valuable guidance, encouragement and continuous support throughout the completion of
this Physics investigatory project.
I am also thankful to my school for providing laboratory facilities. I would like to thank my
parents and friends for their support and cooperation.
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CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that ____________________, student of class __________, has successfully
completed the Physics investigatory project entitled:
“To study various factors on which the internal resistance / EMF of a cell depends”
under my supervision during the academic session 20__ – 20__.
Teacher’s Signature: _______________
Date: _______________
School Seal
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AIM
1. To study the various factors on which the internal resistance of a cell depends.
2. To study the factors affecting the EMF of a cell.
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INDEX
1. Acknowledgement
2. Certificate
3. Aim
4. Introduction
5. Apparatus
6. Theory
7. Diagram & Procedure
8. Observation Table
9. Result
10. Precautions
11. Conclusion
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INTRODUCTION
An electric cell is a device which converts chemical energy into electrical energy. When a
cell supplies current in a circuit, there is some opposition to the flow of current inside the
cell due to the electrolyte. This opposition is called internal resistance of the cell.
The electromotive force (EMF) of a cell is defined as the potential difference between its
terminals when no current is drawn from the cell. Both internal resistance and EMF depend
on several physical and chemical factors.
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APPARATUS REQUIRED
Cell, Voltmeter, Ammeter, Rheostat, Plug key, Resistance box, Connecting wires.
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THEORY
The internal resistance (r) of a cell is given by:
r = (E − V) / I
Where:
E = EMF of the cell
V = Terminal voltage
I = Current flowing in the circuit
Factors affecting internal resistance:
• Distance between electrodes
• Area of cross-section of electrolyte
• Nature and concentration of electrolyte
• Temperature
Factors affecting EMF:
• Nature of electrodes
• Nature of electrolyte
• Temperature
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PROCEDURE
1. The circuit is connected as shown in the diagram.
2. The key is inserted and rheostat is adjusted.
3. Voltmeter and ammeter readings are noted.
4. Readings are taken for different currents.
5. Internal resistance is calculated using the formula.
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OBSERVATION TABLE
| [Link] | Voltmeter V (Volt) | Ammeter I (Ampere) | EMF E (Volt) | Internal Resistance r (Ω) |
|------|--------------------|--------------------|-------------|---------------------------|
|1 | 1.48 | 0.40 | 1.50 | 0.05 |
|2 | 1.45 | 0.35 | 1.50 | 0.14 |
|3 | 1.42 | 0.30 | 1.50 | 0.27 |
|4 | 1.38 | 0.25 | 1.50 | 0.48 |
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RESULT
It is observed that the internal resistance of a cell depends on the length, area of cross-
section, nature and temperature of electrolyte. The EMF of a cell depends on the nature of
electrodes and electrolyte.
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PRECAUTIONS
1. Connections should be neat and tight.
2. Ammeter should be connected in series.
3. Voltmeter should be connected in parallel.
4. Readings should be taken carefully.
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CONCLUSION
The experiment successfully shows the dependence of internal resistance and EMF of a cell
on various physical and chemical factors.
