Question

(i) Series combination
(ii) Parallel combination of two given resistors is connected, one by one, across a cell.
In which case the terminal potential difference across the cell has a higher value?

Answer 1

Hint:For finding the terminal potential difference across the cell, we must calculate the total resistance in series and parallel combination. If resistance is more, then the voltage drop across the external resistor and the terminal potential difference will be more.

Complete answer:
 As we know that terminal potential difference is the value of voltage drop across the external resistor. It means if resistance is more in the circuit then the terminal potential difference will be more, as it depends on the voltage drop across the resistor.
Also, if resistors are connected in series, their resistance will be more as compared to the resistances that are connected in parallel combination.
It means- \[{R_S}\rangle {R_P}\]

Hence, terminal potential difference will be higher in series combination as compared to the parallel combination of two given resistors.

Note:You must know the difference between the terminal potential difference and the emf. The terminal potential difference of a cell is defined as the potential difference across two electrodes in any closed circuit. When current is drawn from the cell then the value of potential difference will be less than the emf of a cell. Whereas The emf is the potential difference between the terminals of a battery when no current flows from the external circuit.