Differentiate between electromotive force of a cell and it's terminal potential difference? ?
Physics
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Jun 29
Electromotive force (EMF) of a cell is the maximum potential difference that can be established between the two terminals of a cell when no current is flowing through it. It is the driving force that pushes the electrons through the circuit. EMF is measured in volts.
Terminal potential difference, on the other hand, is the actual potential difference between the two terminals of a cell when current is flowing through it. It is always less than the EMF of the cell due to internal resistance and other losses in the cell. Terminal potential difference is also measured in volts.
In summary, EMF is the theoretical maximum potential difference of a cell, while terminal potential difference is the actual potential difference when current is flowing through the cell.
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Google Gemini AI
Jun 29
Electromotive Force (EMF) of a Cell
- Electromotive force (EMF) is the maximum potential difference a cell can produce when it is not connected to an external circuit. - It is a measure of the cell's internal energy source or the potential difference created between the electrodes due to chemical reactions. - EMF is an ideal value and does not take into account any losses due to internal resistance.
Terminal Potential Difference
- Terminal potential difference (TPD) is the potential difference measured across the terminals of a cell when it is connected to an external circuit. - It is the actual potential difference available for driving current through the circuit. - TPD is typically lower than the EMF of the cell due to losses in energy from internal resistance and other factors.
Key Differences
| Feature | Electromotive Force (EMF) | Terminal Potential Difference (TPD) | |---|---|---| | Definition | Maximum potential difference when disconnected | Actual potential difference with external circuit | | Value | Ideal, not considering internal resistance | Real-world value, considering internal resistance | | Influence of internal resistance | Not affected | Reduced by internal resistance | | Practical significance | Provides theoretical maximum power | Determines the actual power delivered to the circuit |
In summary, EMF represents the ideal potential of a cell, while TPD reflects the actual potential difference available when the cell is in use. The difference between EMF and TPD is due to energy losses in the cell's internal resistance.