Sub-topic B.

5 Current and Circuits IB DP Physics SL - Required Practical

Determination of EMF and Internal resistance of an electric cell

1. Introduction
1.1 The aim of the experiment is to measure the EMF of a typical C battery and determine its internal
resistance.
1.2 Theoretical explanation (6 marks)
Provide appropriate physical equations and explain how they will be used to find EMF and r of the battery (2). State the variables and the
relationship between them (1). Sketch a graph of the relationship (1) and state meaning of its Y-intercept (1) and gradient (1).

1.3 Research question (1 mark)

Formulate a clear and focused research question including the variables.

2. Exploration
2.1 Methodology (2 marks)
Outline the methodology of the experiment that helps to answer the RQ including an appropriate circuit diagram.

2.2 Equipment (2 marks)

List all necessary apparatus for the experiment with their characteristics

2.3 Procedure (2 marks)

Provide step-by-step instruction for completing the experiment

2.4 Safety precautions (1 mark)

3. Data Analysis
3.1 Raw Data (2 marks)
Complete Table 1 with all measured quantities and its uncertainties.

Table 1. …..

3.2 Processed Data (2 marks)

Complete Table 2 and show one example of the calculation of each quantity.

Table 2. …..

3.3 Graph (2 marks)

Draw a graph demonstrating the relationship between variables using Graphical Analysis. Include error bars.

1
Sub-topic B.5 Current and Circuits IB DP Physics SL - Required Practical

3.4 Conclusion (1 mark)

State and justify the relationship between variables (answer the RQ)

3.5 Determination of the EMF (2 marks)

State the EMF of the battery with its uncertainty. Show processing.

3.6 Determination of the internal resistance (2 marks)

Calculate the internal resistance of the battery with its uncertainty.

4. Evaluation
4.1 Discuss the investigation's precision, accuracy, and random and systematic errors (3 marks)

4.2 Discuss the experiment's strengths and weaknesses, such as data limitations and sources of error, and make a conclusion about the validity of
the experimental results (2 marks)