Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (4th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0133942651
ISBN 13: 978-0-13394-265-1

Chapter 26 - Potential and Field - Stop to Think 26.4 - Page 724: 1

Answer

$\Delta V_{total} = 5.0$ volts

Work Step by Step

We can sum the potentials of the batteries to find the overall potential difference. That is, $\Delta V_{total} = \sum_i^n\Delta V_i$ $\Delta V_1 = 3.0$ volts $\Delta V_2 = 1.0$ volts $\Delta V_3 = 3.0$ volts When we sum all of the potentials, however, we must negate the second potential since it's terminals are flipped(the positive side of battery 2 is connected to the positive side of battery 1, and the negative side of battery 2 is connected to the negative side of battery 3). $\Delta V_{total} = \Delta V_1 - \Delta V_2 + \Delta V_3 = 3.0 -1.0+3.0$ $\Delta V_{total} = 5.0$ volts
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