THE SAINT ARNOLD’S CENTRAL SCHOOL

Project Report
EMF/INTERNAL RESISTANCE OF A CELL
Studying the various factors on which the internal resistance/EMF of a
cell depends

PREPARED BY
Krish Parikh
Class XII/A
Roll 12
 THE SAINT ARNOLD’S CENTRAL SCHOOL

Department of Science
CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Krish Parikh,

a student of class XII-A has successfully completed the Project
report titled

"EMF/Internal Resistance of a cell"

It is a bonafide record of work done under the supervision of

Mr. Santosh Shinde (Subject Teacher) from
March 20, 2024 to June 3, 2024

Internal Examiner External Examiner

THE SAINT ARNOLD’S CENTRAL SCHOOL

(i)
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I, Alric Pareira of Class XII A at The Saint Arnold's Central School, Pune, would like
to extend my heartfelt gratitude to several individuals who have played an integral
role in the successful completion of my physics project on the topic of
"EMF/Internal Resistance of a cell"

First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere thanks to our respected
Principal, Fr. Sunil Menezes, for providing us with the opportunity to engage in
meaningful and insightful educational projects. Your unwavering support for
student initiatives has been a constant source of inspiration for all of us.

I am deeply grateful to my Physics Teacher, Mr. Santosh Shinde, who not only
assigned this project but also provided invaluable guidance and mentorship
throughout the research and development process. Your passion for physics and
dedication to nurturing our scientific curiosity has been instrumental in shaping
my understanding of the subject.

Lastly, I am thankful to my parents for their continuous support, both morally and
academically, and for fostering a love for learning within me. Your unwavering
encouragement and belief in my abilities have been my driving force.

With gratitude,

Alric Pareira
Class XII A
The Saint Arnold's Central School, Pune

(ii)
1.1 Internal Resistance

2.1 Objective

2.2 Apparatus

2.3 Theory

2.4 Circuit Diagram

2.5 Procedure

2.6 Observations

2.7 Result & Inferences

2.8 Precautions

2.9 Sources of error

(iii)
1. Introduction
The need for more powerful and efficient batteries has become
increasingly crucial as our reliance on electronic devices continues
to grow. This project report aims to explore the practical analysis of
the factors that affect the internal resistance of a battery cell, with
the goal of reducing this resistance and subsequently increasing the
potential difference across the cell.

The internal resistance of a battery cell is a critical factor that

determines its performance and efficiency. As the internal resistance
decreases, the potential difference across the cell can be increased,
making the battery more reliable and capable of powering a wider
range of electronic appliances. This is particularly important as the
demand for high-performance, long-lasting batteries continues to
rise.

Through extensive research and experimentation, this project delves

into the various factors that contribute to the internal resistance of a
battery cell. These factors may include the materials used in the
cell's construction, the design and configuration of the electrodes,
the electrolyte composition, and the overall cell structure. By
understanding the impact of these variables, researchers can explore
ways to optimize the cell's design and manufacturing processes to
minimize internal resistance.
1.1. Internal Resistance

Internal resistance is defined as the resistance offered by the

electrolyte of the cell to the flow of ions. • Its S.I. unit is
Ohm (Ω)

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

𝑟 = 𝐸−𝐼𝑉
2. Practical Analysis

2.1. Objective

To study the various factors on which the internal resistance of

a cell depends

2.2. Apparatus
● A potentiometer,
● a battery (or battery eliminator),
● two one way keys,
● a rheostat,
● a galvanometer,
● a resistance box,
● an ammeter,
● a cell (Leclanche cell),
● a jockey,
● a set square,
● connecting wires ● sandpaper.
2.3. 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 the surface area of the
electrodes in electrolyte.
● decreases with increase in temperature of electrolyte.
● is inversely proportional to concentration of
electrolyte.

the internal resistance is given by:

𝑟 = 𝐸−𝐼𝑉
2.4. Circuit Diagram
 2.5. Procedure

● Clean the ends of the connecting wires with sand paper

and make tight connections according to the circuit
diagram.
● Tighten the plugs of the resistance box.
● 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

● Keep both the electrodes at a distance of 16 cm.

● Take maximum current from the battery, making rheostat
resistance small.
● Without inserting a plug-in key , adjust the rheostat so
that a null point is obtained on the last wire of the
potentiometer.
● Determine the position of the null point accurately using a
set square and measure the balancing length (1) between
the null point and the end P.
● Next introduce plugs in both keys and . At the same time,
take out a small resistance (1-5 W) from the shunt
resistance box connected in parallel with the cell.
 ● Slide the jockey along a potentiometer wire and obtain the
null point.
● Measure the balancing length ( L) from end P. Record
these.
● Now keep the electrodes 12 cm apart.
● Then remove the plugs of keys K, and K2. Wait for some
time and repeat steps 7 to 10.
● Next, keep the electrodes 9 cm apart to obtain another set
of observations

To study variation of international resistance with Temperature

● Keeping all other factors constant, increase the

temperature of electrolyte
● Obtain three such observations by repeating step 7 to 10.
Record your readings.
2.6. Observations

Sr. Ammete Position of null point(cm) Shunt Internal

No. r Resistance Resistan
Reading R(Ω) ce r(Ω)
(A)
With R (l1) Without R
(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 the electrodes

Sr. Balancing Balancing r/d

Separation
No. point point Internal
between
(l1) (l2)
electrodes Resistanc
d(cm) e r(Ω)

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

Sr. Temperatu l1 l2 Resistan Tr

No. re ce Internal (ΩK)
T (K) R (Ω) Resistan
ce r(Ω)

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

2.7. Results and Inferences

● The Electromotive Force of the cell is constant and is

equal to E = 0.98 Volt.
● The internal resistance of a cell is directly proportional to
the separation between the electrodes.
● The internal resistance of a cell is inversely proportional
to the area of the electrodes dipped in electrolyte.
● The internal resistance of a cell is inversely proportional
to the temperature of electrolytes.
● The internal resistance of a cell is inversely proportional
to the concentration of the electrolyte
2.8. Precautions

● The connections should be neat, clean and tight.

● The plugs should be introduced in the keys only when the
observations are to be taken.
● The positive poles of the battery E and cells E, and E2
should all be connected to the terminal at the zero of the
wires.
● The jockey key should not be rubbed along the wire. It
should touch the wire gently.
● The ammeter reading should remain constant for a
particular set of observations. If necessary, adjust the
rheostat for this purpose.
 2.9. Sources of Error

● The auxiliary battery not be fully charged.

● The potentiometer wire may not be of uniform
crosssection and material density throughout its length.
● End resistances may not be zero.
3. Flowchart Conclusion

4. Bibliography

● www.google.com
● Comprehensive Practicals in Physics (Laxmi Publications)
● www.wikipedia.com
● www.flux.ai