Potential Difference from Batteries

• What is a battery in physics?

  Two or more cells connected together
• Why must cells in a battery be connected in the same direction?

  To ensure the potential differences add up
• If a single cell has a potential difference of 9 volts, what is the potential difference of two cells in series?

  18 volts
• How do you calculate the total potential difference of multiple cells in series?

  Add the potential differences of each cell
• What is the potential difference of three cells, each with 9 volts?

  27 volts
• What happens to the potential difference if cells are connected in opposite directions?

  The potential differences cancel out
• How does the orientation of cells affect the total potential difference in a battery?

  Incorrect orientation reduces the total potential
• What is the process to determine the overall potential difference of a battery?

  • Identify the potential difference of each cell
  • Check the orientation of each cell
  • Add potential differences of cells in the same direction
  • Subtract potential differences of cells in opposite directions
• What should you do if you encounter a battery with mixed cell orientations?

  • Measure potential differences
  • Identify correct and incorrect orientations
  • Calculate total potential by adding and subtracting