Answer :
When discussing batteries in series and parallel, we're thinking about their electromotive force (e.m.f.), which is the energy provided by a battery per unit charge, measured in volts.
Batteries in Series:
- When two 6 V batteries are connected in series, their voltages add up. This is because the total e.m.f. is the sum of the e.m.f. values of each individual battery. For a charge moving through this series combination, it first gains 6 V energy from the first battery, and then another 6 V from the second battery.
- Therefore, together, they provide an e.m.f. of [tex]6 \text{ V} + 6 \text{ V} = 12 \text{ V}[/tex].
- However, if you think about the series setup contextually where one battery is reversed in polarity, the charges would gain 6 V from the first and lose 6 V from the other, leading to a net e.m.f. of [tex]0 \text{ V}[/tex].
Batteries in Parallel:
- When two 6 V batteries are connected in parallel, they maintain the same voltage of 6 V across both. This is because all branches in a parallel circuit share the same voltage.
- A charge flowing through this setup would "see" only 6 V, regardless of its path through the circuit.
- Therefore, the e.m.f. of the combination remains 6 V.
This distinction is essential when designing electrical circuits to ensure devices receive the correct voltage without exceeding power limits.
