Cells in Mixed Groupings:

If the cells are connected as shown in the figure, they are said to be connected in mixed grouping. Let there be n cells in series in one row and m rows of each cells in parallel. Suppose all the cells are identical. Let e.m.f. of each cell be E and internal resistance r.
In each row, there are n cells in series.
Total internal resistance in one row = nr.
There are m rows in parallel. Therefore, the total internal resistance of all the cells is given by
1/rp = 1/nr + 1/nr + 1/nr ——– up to m terms ⇒ 1/rp = m/nr ⇒ rp = nr/m Total resistance in the circuit = R + nr/m Total resistance in the circuit = mR+nr/m Total (effective) emf of all the cells = nE The current in external resistance is given by- I = Total EMF/Total resistance = nE/(mR+nR)/m ⇒ I = mnE/mR+nr The current I will be maximum, if (mR+nr) is minimum. It can be shown mathematically that (mR+nr) is minimum. If mR = nr ⇒ R = nr/m i.e. external resistance = Total internal resistance of all the cells |
Thus, we get maximum current in a mixed grouping, if the value of external resistance is equal to the total internal resistance of all the cells.
Comments (No)