A battery has an internal resistance of 4.0 Ω. Which of the following load resistors would have the most power delivered to it when connected across the battery?
A) 1.4 Ω
B) 2.0 Ω
C) 4.0 Ω
D) 8.0 Ω
E) 16 Ω

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The power delivered to a load resistor in a circuit with a battery having internal resistance is maximized when the load resistance equals the internal resistance of the battery. This is due to the principle of maximum power transfer, which states that maximum power is transferred when the load resistance is equal to the source (internal) resistance. Therefore, a load resistor of 4.0 Ω (option C) would have the most power delivered to it.

A Battery Has an Internal Resistance of 4