Title: Factors Affecting

the Internal Resistance

and Electromotive
Force (EMF) of a Cell:
An Investigatory
Project
Abstract:
This investigatory project aims to study
the factors that influence the internal
resistance and electromotive force
(EMF) of a cell. The internal resistance
of a cell plays a crucial role in
determining its overall performance,
while the EMF represents the maximum
potential difference across the
terminals. By understanding the factors
that affect these parameters, we can
gain insights into cell efficiency and
design better energy storage systems.
This project involves experimental
investigations and data analysis to
determine the relationship between
internal resistance/EMF and various
factors.
Introduction
a. Briefly explain the importance of
understanding the internal resistance
and electromotive force (EMF) of a cell
in the context of energy storage and
performance.
b. Provide background information on
the concept of internal resistance and
EMF, highlighting their significance in
cell functioning.
c. State the objective of the
investigatory project, which is to
analyse the factors influencing internal
resistance and EMF.
Theoretical Background
a. Define internal resistance and EMF,
explaining their definitions and units of
measurement.
b. Discuss the relationship between
internal resistance, EMF, and the current
flowing through the cell, using Ohm's Law
(V = IR).
c. Introduce the concept of open circuit
voltage and its relation to EMF.
d. Describe the impact of resistance on
voltage drop across a resistor connected in
series with the cell.

Objective:
The objective of this investigatory project
is to analyse the influence of different
factors on the internal resistance and
electromotive force of a cell.
Materials:
1. Different types of cells (e.g., alkaline,
lead-acid, lithium-ion)
2. Resistors of varying resistance values
3. Multimeter
4. Connecting wires
5. Variable power supply
6. Stopwatch
7. Thermometer
8. Data recording tools (paper, pen, or
computer)
9. Provide a detailed list of the materials
and equipment required for the
investigation, including different types of
cells, resistors, multimeter, variable power
supply, etc.
10. Explain the purpose and functionality
of each item in the experimental setup.

Procedure:

1. Select a specific type of cell for

investigation (e.g., alkaline, lead-acid,
lithium-ion). Ensure that the cell is fully
charged before proceeding.

2. Measure the initial voltage across the

cell terminals using a multimeter. This
voltage represents the EMF of the cell.

3. Connect a variable resistor in series with

the cell and measure the voltage across the
resistor using the multimeter. This voltage
drop represents the internal resistance of
the cell.

4. Vary the resistance value of the variable

resistor and record the corresponding
voltage drop across the resistor for each
resistance value.

5. Repeat steps 2-4 for different cells of the

same type and record the data.

6. Analyze the collected data to identify

any patterns or relationships between the
resistance value and the voltage drop
across the resistor.

7. Repeat steps 1-6 for different types of

cells, comparing the data collected for each
type.
8. To explore the influence of temperature
on internal resistance and EMF, place the
cell in a controlled temperature
environment (e.g., refrigerator or heating
pad) and measure the internal resistance
and EMF at different temperatures.

9. Calculate the average internal resistance

and EMF values for each cell type at
different resistance levels and
temperatures.

10. Graphically represent the relationship

between internal resistance, EMF, and the
factors studied (e.g., resistance value, cell
type, temperature) using appropriate
graphs (e.g., line plots, bar graphs).
11. Analysed the graphs and draw
conclusions about the factors affecting
internal resistance and EMF of a cell.

12. Write a comprehensive report

summarizing the project, including the
methodology, results, analysis, and
conclusions.

Note: Ensure safety precautions while

working with electrical equipment and
follow proper handling guidelines for cells
and batteries.

Expected Results and Analysis:

The data collected and analysed in this
investigatory project will help identify the
factors that significantly impact the
internal resistance and EMF of a cell. It is
expected that factors such as resistance
value, cell type, and temperature will
influence these parameters. The analysis of
the data and graphical representations will
provide insights into the relationships
between the factors studied and the
internal resistance/EMF of a cell.

impact of Temperature
a. Discuss the influence of temperature on
internal resistance and EMF.
b. Describe the setup used to measure
internal resistance and EMF at different
temperatures.
c. Present the data collected for different
temperature levels and analyse the results.
d. Discuss the implications of temperature
on cell performance and efficiency.
Possible outcomes may include:

1. Internal resistance: Higher resistance

values are expected to yield higher voltage
drops across the resistor, indicating a larger
internal resistance. Different cell types
might exhibit varying internal resistance
characteristics.

2. EMF: The measured EMF should

remain relatively constant for a given cell
type, regardless of the resistance value
used.

3. Temperature: Internal resistance may

increase with decreasing temperatures due
to decreased ion mobility within the cell.
The EMF should remain relatively
unaffected by temperature changes.
By investigating these factors, we can
enhance our understanding of cell
performance and contribute to the
development of more efficient energy
storage systems.
References
a. Cite all the sources of information and
references consulted during the project,
including textbooks, scientific articles, and
online resources.