To STudy
VariouS
FacTorS on
which The
inTernal
reSiSTance /
eMF oF a cell
dependS
Acknowledgment
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to
Mr Bhupendra sir, my physics teacher, for their
guidance and support throughout this project. I
also extend my thanks to my school for
providing the necessary resources. Finally, I am
grateful to my friends and family for their
encouragement.
_________
Certificate
This is to certify that samarpan sengar, a
student of Class XII(Maths), has successfully
completed the physics investigatory project on
"To Study Various Factors on which the Internal
Resistance/EMF of a Cell Depends" under my
guidance during the academic year 2024-25.
_________ ____________
conTenTS
1. Introduction
2. Objective
3. Theory
4. Factors Affecting Internal
Resistance/EMF
5. Apparatus and Materials
6. Procedure
7. Observations and Calculations
8. Conclusion
9. Precautions
10. Bibliography
1. inTroducTion
Electric cells are fundamental devices in
physics that convert chemical energy into
electrical energy. The performance of a cell is
determined by two important parameters:
• Electromotive Force (EMF): The maximum
potential difference between the terminals
when no current flows.
• Internal Resistance: The resistance
offered by the electrolyte and electrodes
within the cell.
Understanding the factors affecting these
parameters is essential for improving battery
design and efficiency.
2. objecTiVe
To study the factors affecting the internal resistance and EMF of a
cell, including:
1. Nature and concentration of the electrolyte.
2. Distance between the electrodes.
3. Area of electrodes.
4. Temperature of the cell.
3. Theory
• Internal Resistance (r): It is caused by the
resistance offered by the electrolyte and
other components within the cell.
Formula: r=E−VI, where (V) is the terminal
voltage, II is the current, and (E) is the EMF
of the cell.
• EMF (E): It is the work done per unit charge
to move it from one terminal to the other
inside the cell.
E=W/Q, where (W) is the work done
and (Q) is the charge.
4. FacTorS aFFecTing inTernal
reSiSTance and eMF
1. Nature of Electrolyte: Different
electrolytes provide different ionic mobility.
2. Concentration of Electrolyte: Higher
concentrations reduce internal resistance.
3. Distance between
Electrodes: Increasing distance increases
internal resistance.
4. Area of Electrodes: Larger electrode
areas decrease internal resistance.
5. Temperature: Higher temperatures
generally decrease internal resistance due
to increased ionic mobility.
5. apparaTuS and MaTerialS
1. Simple cell (e.g., Daniell cell).
2. Voltmeter.
3. Ammeter.
4. Rheostat.
5. Connecting wires.
6. Beaker and electrodes.
7. Thermometer.
8. Different electrolytes (e.g., dilute HCl)
6. procedure
1. Set up the circuit with the cell,
ammeter, voltmeter, and rheostat as shown
in the diagram.
2. To study the effect of electrode
distance: Vary the distance between the
electrodes and record the readings.
3. To study the effect of electrolyte
concentration: Prepare electrolytes of
different concentrations and note the
readings.
4. To study the effect of electrode
area: Use electrodes of varying sizes.
5. To study the effect of
temperature: Heat the electrolyte and
observe the changes in voltage and current.
7. obSerVaTionS and calculaTionS
*eFFecT oF concenTraTion
inTernal
reSiSTance
concenTraTion VolTage currenT (r =
(M) (V) (i) (a) V/i) (Ω)
0.1 1.20 0.25 4.80
0.5 1.35 0.40 3.38
1.0 1.50 0.50 3.00
*eFFecT oF elecTrode area
inTernal
elecTrode VolTage currenT reSiSTance (r
area (cM²) (V) (i) (a) = V/i) (Ω)
2 1.30 0.30 4.33
4 1.35 0.45 3.00
6 1.40 0.55 2.55
*eFFecT oF TeMperaTure
inTernal
TeMperaTure VolTage currenT reSiSTance
(°c) (V) (i) (a) (r = V/i) (Ω)
25 1.25 0.30 4.17
50 1.35 0.40 3.38
75 1.40 0.50 2.80
8. concluSion
1. Internal resistance decreases with an
increase in the concentration of the
electrolyte.
2. Larger electrode areas reduce internal
resistance.
3. Increasing the distance between
electrodes increases internal resistance.
4. Higher temperatures reduce internal
resistance due to increased ionic mobility.
9. precauTionS
1. Ensure tight connections to avoid
energy loss.
2. Calibrate the instruments before use.
3. Handle chemicals with care.
4. Perform the experiment at consistent
external conditions.