Question

Explain the meaning of the terms e.m.f., terminal voltage, and internal resistance of a cell.

Answer 1

E.m.f.: When no current is drawn from a cell, the potential difference between the terminals of the cell is called its electro-motive force (or e.m.f.).

Terminal voltage: When current is drawn from a cell, the potential difference between the electrodes of the cell is called its terminal voltage.

Internal Resistance: The resistance offered by the electrolyte inside the cell to the flow of electric current through it is called the internal resistance of the cell.