Potential Difference form Batteries

• If two cells of 9 volts each are connected in series, what is the total potential difference?

  18 volts
• What must be true about the direction of cells in a battery?

  Cells must be connected in the same direction
• How does the potential difference of cells in series behave?

  It adds up to give total potential difference
• What is the overall potential difference of a battery with three cells of 9 volts each?

  27 volts
• What happens if one cell in a battery is connected in the wrong direction?

  It cancels out the potential difference
• If two cells are correctly oriented and one is reversed, what is the overall potential difference of three 9-volt cells?

  9 volts
• What is a battery in terms of cells?

  • A battery consists of two or more cells
  • Cells must be connected in the same direction
• What are the steps to calculate the potential difference of a battery?

  1. Identify the potential difference of each cell
  2. Add the potential differences of cells in series
  3. Consider the direction of each cell
  4. Adjust for any cells connected in reverse