The terminal potential difference of a battery is less than its emf:
A)under all conditions
B)only when the battery is being charged
C)only when the battery is being discharged
D)only when there is no current in the battery
E)under no conditions

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The terminal potential difference of a battery is the potential difference across the terminals of the battery when it is connected to an external circuit. This potential difference is always less than the emf of the battery due to the internal resistance of the battery. When the battery is being discharged, the current flows from the battery's positive terminal to its negative terminal through the external circuit, and due to the internal resistance of the battery, there is a voltage drop across the battery, which reduces the terminal potential difference. Therefore, option C is the best choice.

The Terminal Potential Difference of a Battery Is Less Than