Question

The potential difference across the terminals of a cell is more in an open circuit than that in a closed circuit. Why

Answer 1

Dear Student,

We know that, according to ohm's law: V is proportional to R.

So, no current flows in an open circuit because the surrounding medium is highly insulating. So, theoretically, there is infinite resistance in the circuit. Hence, the potential difference can be considered to be nearly infinity

Whereas,there is a finite resistance offered by the circuit, in the case of an open circuit. So, we can say that in a closed circuit the potential difference between the terminals of the battery is infinite.

Regards