The terminal potential difference of a cell when open-circuited is
Correct answer: A. E
- A. E
- B. E/2
- C. zero
- D. infinity
Explanation
When a cell is open-circuited (no external load connected), the terminal potential difference is equal to the electromotive force (EMF) of the cell (E). This is because no current flows through the cell, so there is no voltage drop across its internal resistance.Incorrect options: (b) E/2 - This would only be the case if the cell was arranged in a specific circuit configuration.(c) When a cell is open-circuited, there is still an EMF present, so the potential difference is not zero.(d) Infinity - This is not physically possible in the context of electrical circuits.
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Electrostatics describes forces between charges through Coulomb's law, electric fields and field intensity, then uses electric potential to measure energy per unit charge. Capacitors store charge and electrical energy, with capacitance depending on geometry and dielectric material, not simply on the amount of charge present.
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