Ideal and Real Batteries

Identifier: E&M: C - 015

Power Supply, 3 bulbs in parallel, a 9V battery, a multimeter

Concept Overview:

Visualization of internal resistance created by a battery

Lecture Procedure

Step(s) to FollowExpected Result
  1. Set power supply to 9V.
  2. Connect the 2 lamps to the power supply.
  3. Add the 3rd bulb.
Bulbs do not dim - current increases to ~5 A
  1. Connect the 2 lamps to the 9v battery.
  2. Measure and note the voltage drop across 1 bulb.
  3. Add 3rd bulb in parallel.
  4. Measure and note the voltage drop across 1 bulb.
Bulbs will dim as the 3rd bulb is added; voltage drop will increase