Practice question
Question
In a circuit with two cells in series, why does the equivalent internal resistance increase compared to
a single cell?
Explanation
**Resistivity** depends on material and temperature, not geometry. For metallic conductor, ρ ≈10⁻⁸ Ω·m for copper. Given ρ=4×10⁻⁸ Ω·m, l=2 m, A=π r², R calculation uses R=ρ l/A. Stretching wire conserves volume V = l A = l' A', so A' = A l/l', new R' = ρ l'²/V. In series, internal resistances add ( rₑq = r₁ + r₂ ) because current flows through both resistances sequentially, increasing the total opposition to current flow. Applying I = n e A v_d, R = ρ l/A, R_t = R₀[1+αΔT], Kirchhoff's ΣI=0, ΣV=0, R_eq series/parallel, V = ε - I r and P = I²R, evaluation
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