Calculate the value of the ratio i₁/i₂ for the circuits shown in the figure, provided that the external resistance is R = 10 .

Step-by-step solution

For the first circuit, the two cells are connected in series and aid each other. The equivalent EMF is E₁ = 6 + 6 = 12 V . The equivalent internal resistance is r₁ = 1 + 1 = 2 . The current i₁ in the circuit is given by: i₁ = E₁ R + r₁ = 12 10 + 2 = 1 A For the second circuit, the two cells are connected in parallel. The equivalent EMF is E₂ = 6 1 + 6 1 1 1 + 1 1 = 6 V . The equivalent internal resistance is r₂ = 1 1 1 + 1 = 0.5 . The current i₂ in the circuit is given by: i₂ = E₂ R + r₂ = 6 10 + 0.5 = 6 10.5 = 4 7