An auto mechanic needs to determine the emf and internal resistance of an old battery. He performs two measurements: in the first, he applies a voltmeter to the battery's terminals and reads 11.9 V;11.9 V; in the second, he applies an ammeter to the terminals and reads 16.1 A.16.1 A. What are the battery's emf E and internal resistance r?

Hence the battery's emf E is ε = 11.9 V.

The internal resistance is r = 0.739 ohms.

Explanation:

Now we know that

Voltage V = 11.9 V.

Current I = 16.1 A.

Hence this is an ideal voltmeter there are no current flows when the Voltmeter is applied.

ε = V + I r

∵ I = 0

ε = V

ε = 11.9 V

Then the ammeter is applied.

Let's take ( r ) to be the total resistance which is equal to internal resistance.

V = I r

r =

r = 0.739 ohms