Connecting Dry Cells to Form Batteries

Question 1

Connecting cells in series

Answer 1

When cells are connected in series, they produce a higher voltage than just one cell can produce. When cells are connected in series to form a battery, the total voltage of the battery is equal to the sum of the voltages of the individual cells.

Question 2

Connecting cells in Parallel

Answer 2

When cells are connected in parallel, they produce a greater current than just one cell can produce. When cells are connected in parallel to form a battery, the total amperage of the battery is equal to the sum of the amperages of the individual cells. (However, note that the total voltage of the battery is the same as the voltage of just one of the cells.)

Question 3

Connecting cells in series-parallel

Answer 3

When cells are connected in series parallel, they provide higher voltage and higher current. The voltage of the entire battery is equal to the voltage of one of the series-connected groups of four cells. The current of one group of four series-connected cells is 1 A. Then, since the two groups of four cells are connected in parallel, the total current of the battery is equal to 2 A. The battery has twice the current-carrying capacity of either series-connected group of cells.