Physics Project File

To study the various factors on which the

internal resistance/emf of a cell
depends.

AISSCE 2024

Guided by: Mr. Kunal Kamthana

Submitted by:

NAME: RUDRA PATEL

STD: 12TH
 INDEX
S no. Topics

1. Acknowledgement

Introduction
2. Resistance
Practical Analysis

3.
 Objective Apparatus Theory
 Circuit Diagram
 Procedure




 Precautions

4. Flowchart & Conclusion

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I wish to express my gratitude and sincere thanks to the
principal Ms. Vandana Srivastava for her encouragement
and for all that she provided for this project work. I
sincerely appreciate this magnanimity by taking me to
this fold for which I shall remain indebted to her.
It gives me great pleasure to express my gratitude towards
my physics teacher Mr. Kunal Kamthana for his guidance,
support and encouragement throughout the process. With
his motivation and help, successful completion of this
project would not have been possible.
 INTRODUCTION

There is a great need of batteries in our daily use

electronic appliances and the use is increasing every
day. Thus , the batteries need to be made more powerful
so that their potential can be increased greatly .

Thus , this project report is based on practical

analysis for the factors affecting the internal
resistance of a cell.

In the realm of electrical circuits and power sources,

understanding the internal resistance and
electromotive force (EMF) of cells is crucial for
optimizing the performance of electronic devices. This
project aims to delve into the intricate dynamics that
govern the internal resistance and EMF of cells,
shedding light on the multifaceted factors that
influence these fundamental characteristics.

The internal resistance of a cell, often represented by

the symbol 'r,' is a crucial parameter that plays a
pivotal role in determining the cell's ability to deliver
electrical power to an external circuit. It is
influenced by various factors intrinsic to the cell's
design and composition. Simultaneously, EMF
represents the
maximum potential difference that a cell can establish
across its terminals, serving as a fundamental
indicator of its overall efficiency and electrochemical
capabilities.
INTERNAL RESISTANCE

Internal resistance is the resistance within a

battery, or other voltage sources, that causes a
drop in the source voltage when there is a current.
A cell can be thought of as a source of e.m.f. with a
resistor connected in series. When current flows
through the cell a voltage develops across
the internal resistance.

 Its S.I. unit is Ohm (Ω)

For a cell of e.m.f. (E) and internal resistance
(r), connected to an external resistance (R)
such that (I) is the current flowing through the
circuit,

E = V + Ir

Internal Resistancer = E–V

I
PRACTICAL ANALYSIS
OBJECTIVE
To study the various factors on which the
internal resistance/emf of a cell depends.

APPARATUS
1. A Potentiometer

2. A Battery (or battery eliminator)

3. Two one way keys

4. A Rheostat,

5. A Galvanometer

6. A Resistance Box

7. An Ammeter

8. A Cell (Leclanche cell)

9. A Jockey

10. A Setsquare
 11. Connecting Wires

12. Sand paper.

THEORY
The internal resistance of a cell is the resistance
offered by its electrolyte to the flow of ions . The
internal resistance of a cell
 is directly proportional to the distance between
the electrodes.
 is inversely proportional to facing surface area of
the electrodes in electrolyte.
 decreases with increase in temperature of electrolyte.
 is inversely proportional to concentration
of electrolyte.
The internal resistance of a cell is given by:

r = (E-V)/I
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
PROCEDURE
1. Clean the ends of the connecting wires with
sand paper and make tight connections according
to the circuit diagram.
2. Tighten the plugs of the resistance box.
3. Check the e.m.f. of the battery and of the cell and
make sure that e.m.f. of the battery is more than
that of the cell, otherwise null or balance point will
not be obtained.
To study variation of internal resistance with distance of
separation
4. Keep both the electrodes at a distance of 16 cm.
5. Take maximum current from the battery,
making rheostat resistance small.
6. Without inserting a plug in key K2, adjust the
rheostat so that a null point is obtained on the
last wire of the potentiometer.
7. Determine the position of the null point accurately
using a set square and measure the balancing
length (l1) between the null point and the end P.
8. Next introduce plugs in both keys K1 and K2. At the
same time, take out a small resistance (1 – 5 W)
from
 the shunt resistance box connected in parallel
with the cell.
9. Slide the jockey along a potentiometer wire
and obtain the null point.
10. Measure the balancing length (l2) from end
P. Record these observations.
11. Now keep the electrodes 12 cm apart.
12. Then remove the plugs of keys K1 and K2.
Wait for some time and repeat steps 7 to 10.
13. Next, keep the electrodes 9 cm apart to
obtain another set of observations.
To study variation of internal resistance with area of
electrodes
14. Keeping all other factors constant, increase
the area of electrodes in the electrolyte by dipping
them into the electrolyte at different depths for each
observation.
15. Obtain three such observations by
repeating steps 7 to 10. Record your readings.
To study variation of internal resistance
with concentration of electrolyte
 16. Keeping all other factors constant, decrease the
concentration of electrolyte by adding distilled
water for different observations.
17. Obtain three such observations by repeating
step 7 to 10. Record your readings.

OBSERVATIONS

S.no. Ammeter Position of null point(cm) Shunt Internal

Reading Resistance Resistance
(A) With R Without R R(Ω) r(Ω)
(l1) (l2)
1. 0.3 660.5 35.5 1 0.94
2. 0.3 660.5 77.2 2 1.77
3. 0.3 660.5 108.3 3 2.51

Table for effect of separation between electrodes

S.no. Separation Balancing Balancing Internal r/d
between point point Resistance
electrodes l1(cm) l2(cm) r(Ω)
d (cm)
1. 1.2 326.6 276.9 0.456 0.38
2. 2.5 320.7 219.1 0.95 0.38
3. 3.7 660.5 350.9 1.406 0.38
 Table for effect of temperature
S.no. Temperature l1(cm) l2(cm) Resistance Internal Tr
T (oC) R(Ω) Resistance (ΩK)
r(Ω)

1. 1.2 326.6 276.9 0.456 0.38 301.44

2. 2.5 320.7 219.1 0.95 0.38 291.96
3. 3.7 660.5 350.9 1.406 0.38 283.87

PRECAUTIONS

 Safety Gear:

Wear appropriate safety gear such as safety glasses and lab

coats to protect your eyes and clothing.

 Electrical Safety:

Ensure that all electrical connections are secure and insulated.

Double-check the circuit connections before starting the
experiment.

 Low Voltage:

Use low-voltage sources to avoid electrical shocks. Cells

typically have lower voltages compared to batteries, but it's
important to be cautious.
  Proper Handling of Chemicals:

If your experiment involves different electrolytes, handle

chemicals with care. Follow all safety guidelines and use
protective equipment when working with potentially
hazardous substances.

 Ventilation:

Work in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood

when dealing with chemicals to prevent inhalation of
fumes.

 Temperature Control:

Be cautious when working with temperature-related

experiments. Use appropriate tools for temperature control,
and be aware of the potential for burns or injury.

 Equipment Calibration:

Calibrate all measuring instruments, such as voltmeters and

ammeters, before starting the experiment to ensure accurate
readings.
  Secure Wiring:

Check that all wires are properly insulated and there are no
exposed conductors that could lead to short circuits or
electrical hazards.

 Cell Handling:

Handle cells with care. Avoid short circuits by ensuring that

the positive and negative terminals do not come into contact
unless intended.

 Emergency Procedures:

Familiarize yourself with the location of emergency

equipment, such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits. Know
the emergency procedures in case of accidents.

 Supervision:

If you are conducting the experiment in a school or laboratory

setting, make sure a qualified instructor or supervisor is aware
of and oversees the experiment.

 Labeling and Documentation:

Clearly label all chemicals and solutions. Keep detailed records
of your procedures and results for future reference.

 Dispose of Chemicals Properly:

Follow proper procedures for the disposal of chemicals. Do not

pour chemicals down the drain unless it is explicitly allowed.

 Data Verification:

Double-check your measurements and calculations to ensure

accuracy. If possible, have a peer review your work.

OURCES OF ERROR
 Measurement Errors:

Instrumental Accuracy: Inaccuracies in the

calibration or accuracy of measuring instruments like
voltmeters and ammeters can lead to measurement
errors.

 Parallax Error:
Ensure that readings are taken directly at eye level to
 avoid parallax errors, especially when using analog
instruments.

 Temperature Fluctuations:

Changes in temperature can affect the internal

resistance and EMF of a cell. Uncontrolled temperature
variations in the environment can introduce errors.

 Electrical Resistance of Connecting Wires:

The resistance of the connecting wires used in the

circuit may not be negligible. This resistance
can impact the accuracy of your measurements.

 Internal Heating of the Cell:

During prolonged use, the cell may heat up, affecting

its internal resistance and EMF. This internal
heating can introduce errors if not accounted for.
 Load Resistance Variations:

Variations in the resistance of the load (external

resistor) can affect the overall circuit
resistance, influencing the measured current
and voltage.

 Cell Aging:

Over time, the internal structure of the cell may

change, leading to alterations in internal
 resistance and EMF. This aging effect may not be
consistent across all cells.

 Chemical Reactions:

Chemical reactions within the cell may not always be

perfectly reversible. Irreversible reactions can alter
the chemical composition and influence the cell's
performance.

 Inconsistent Electrode Contact:

Poor or inconsistent contact between the electrodes

and the electrolyte can lead to variations in resistance,
affecting the reliability of the measurements.

 Residual Magnetism:

If magnetic materials are used in the construction of

the cell, residual magnetism may affect the
readings, particularly if magnetic fields are not
controlled.

 Human Error:

Mistakes in setting up the experimental apparatus,

taking readings, or recording data can introduce
errors. Double-check all procedures and results to
minimize human error.
 Electromagnetic Interference (EMI):

External electromagnetic fields from nearby electronic

devices or power sources can interfere with the
measurements, especially if the experimental setup is
not properly shielded.

 Duration of Experiments:

Long-duration experiments may be subject to changes

in ambient conditions, equipment drift, or other
factors that can introduce errors over time.

 Cell Contamination:

Contamination of the electrolyte or electrodes over the

course of the experiment can alter the chemical
environment within the cell, affecting its performance.

 Uncertain Load Connection:

If the load resistance is not securely connected or

changes during the experiment, it can lead to
fluctuations in the circuit parameters.

 Non-Ideal Circuit Conditions:

Assumptions made about ideal circuit conditions
may not hold true in practical scenarios, leading to
discrepancies between theoretical predictions and
experimental observations.
 FLOWCHART

Factors Affecting Internal Resistance of a Cell

Area of Conc. of
Electrode Electrolyt
s e
Inversely Inversely
Proportional Proportional

Distance Temperatur
between e of
Electrodes Electrolytes
Directly Inversely
Proportional Proportiona
 CONCLUSION
Through the conducted experiments, we anticipate observing
distinctive patterns and trends related to the factors
influencing internal resistance and EMF in cells. The chemical
composition of the electrolyte is likely to impact the
electrochemical reactions within the cell, while temperature
variations may affect the conductivity of the electrolyte. Cell
age and wear are expected to contribute to changes in
internal components, leading to alterations in internal
resistance and EMF. Additionally, cell size and design are likely
to play a role in shaping these electrical characteristics.

Understanding these factors is crucial not only for theoretical

knowledge but also for practical applications. Engineers and
scientists can use this information to design more efficient and
reliable electronic devices by selecting or designing cells based
on specific requirements. This project contributes to our
comprehension of the intricate dynamics within
electrochemical cells, paving the way for advancements in
battery and cell technology.