OBJECTIVE

To determine the internal resistance of a cell using potentiometer.

THEORY

E.m.f of the cell = ε

Internal resistance of the cell = r

with switch S1 closed while switch S2 open, obtain balance length of l0..

With both S1 and S2 closed, obtain the balance length, l.

Then,

𝜀 = 𝑉 + 𝐼𝑟
𝜀−𝑣
𝑟=
𝐼
𝜀−𝑣
𝑟= 𝑣
𝑅

𝜀
𝑟 = (( ) − 1) 𝑅
𝑣

𝑙
𝑟 = (( ) − 1) 𝑅
𝑙

𝑙 1
= 𝑟( )+1
𝑙 𝑅
Graph of l0/l against 1/R should be linear and the gradient is r.

PROCEDURE

1. The cell was set up follows the figure 1

2. The voltage of the cell was determined
3. The resistor was connected to the cell and the current reading was recorded.
4. step 3 was repeated using different value of resistance.
5. The internal resistance r of the cell was calculated.

DATA

Current, I (mA) Current, I (A) Resistor, R (Ω) Internal

resistance, r (Ω)
1. 26.61 0.02661 38.4 20.98
2. 22.45 0.02245 42.4 27.98
3. 22.22 0.02222 48.2 22.91
4. 16.23 0.01623 52.1 45.25
5. 19.72 0.01972 58.6 21.52
6. 15.86 0.01586 62.4 37.22

VB= 1.58V
CALCULATION
𝑉
using 𝑟𝑛 = ( 𝐼 𝐵 ) − 𝑅
𝑚

1.58
𝑟1 = ( ) − 38.4 = 20.98𝛺
0.02661

1.58
𝑟2 = ( ) − 42.4 = 27.98𝛺
0.02245

1.58
𝑟3 = ( ) − 48.2 = 22.91𝛺
0.02222

1.58
𝑟4 = ( ) − 52.1 = 45.25𝛺
0.01623

1.58
𝑟5 = ( ) − 58.6 = 21.52𝛺
0.01972

1.58
𝑟6 = ( ) − 62.4 = 37.22𝛺
0.01586
DISCUSSION

In this experiment, we have face some problem that make us cannot run the procedure. There are a lot
of apparatus that are broken down and cannot function well. For example, the multi meter that we use
to get the reading of the current, voltage and resistance are not stable. We change to another multi
meter several time to get the reading. We also believe that the wire that we are using are not efficient
maybe because the wire is old in addition that the crocodile - crocodile wire is insufficient. Due to
these problem, the experiment has been modified to get the internal resistant of a cell. We get that the
internal resistance of the cell is changing due to the value of resistor that we use and also the current
that we get.

CONCLUSION

For conclusion, internal resistance of the cell that we get are r1=20.98Ω, r2=27.98Ω, r3=22.91Ω,
r4=45.25Ω, r5=21.52Ω, and r6=37.22Ω. The value of the in internal resistance of the cell is different
to each other due to the change in value of resistor that we use and the current that come out.