Chapter 19, Problem 14Q

To determine

Can the terminal voltage of the battery exceed its emf?

Answer to Problem 14Q

Solution: Yes, the terminal voltage of the battery can exceed its emf.:

Explanation of Solution

The terminal voltage of the circuit depends on the direction of the current going through the circuit. If the current is leaving the positive terminal and entering into the negative terminal, then there will be a voltage drop across the internal resistance, and terminal voltage will be less than the emf of the battery,

If the current is leaving the negative terminal and entering into the positive terminal, then the voltage drops,and the internal resistance will be added into the emf of the battery. Hence, the terminal voltage of the battery will exceed its emf.