Potential difference from batteries

• Battery


  Two or more cells connected together
• Cells in a battery must be connected in the same direction
• Potential difference of a battery

  The sum of the potential differences of the individual cells
• Calculating potential difference of a battery

  Multiply the potential difference of one cell by the number of cells connected in series
• Battery with 3 cells, each 9V

  • Total potential difference = 3 * 9V = 27V
• Battery with 2 cells, each 9V, connected in opposite directions


  • Total potential difference = 0V
• Battery with 3 cells, two 9V cells in same direction, one 9V cell in opposite direction


  • Total potential difference = 2 * 9V - 9V = 9V
• You can find more questions on determining the potential difference of batteries in the Vision workbook