A cell of e.m.f. ε and internal resistance r sends a current of 1.0 A when it is connected to an external resistance of 1.9 ohm. But it sends a current of 0.5 A when it is connected to an external resistance of 3.9 ohm. Calculate the values of ε and r.

Given,

e.m.f. = ε

internal resistance = r

current (I) = 1.0 A

external resistance (R) = 1.9 ohm

Case 1

From relation,

ε = I (R + r)

Substituting the value in the formula above we get,

ε = 1 (1.9 + r)

ε = 1.9 + r    [Equation 1]

In second case,

I = 0.5 A,

R = 3.9 Ω

Substituting the value in the formula above we get,

ε = 0.5 (3.9 + r)

ε = 1.95 + 0.5r    [Equation 2]

Equating 1 and 2 we get,

$1.9 + r = 1.95 + 0.5r \\[0.5em] r - 0.5 r = 1.95 - 1.9 \\[0.5em] 0.5 r = 0.05 \\[0.5em] \Rightarrow r = \dfrac{0.05}{0.5} \\[0.5em] \Rightarrow r = 0.1 Ω$

Now, substituting the value of r in equation 1, we get,

ε = 1.9 + 0.1

ε = 2 V

Hence, ε = 2 V , r = 0.1 Ω