How to Create a 12-Volt Battery from 2-Volt Cells
How can you create a 12-volt battery from 2-volt cells?
Which of the following options is the correct way to create a 12-volt battery?
A. Wire 6 cells in series, with the + of one battery on the - pole of the next
B. Wire 6 cells in parallel
C. You can't
D. Wire 6 cells in series, with the + of one battery on the + pole of the next
Answer:
To create a 12-volt battery, you must connect six 2-volt cells in series.
Explanation: To create a 12-volt battery from 2-volt cells, you need to connect six 2-volt cells in series. In a series connection, the positive terminal of one cell is connected to the negative terminal of the next cell. This allows the voltage of each cell to add up, thereby creating a bigger voltage – in this case, 12 volts.
For example, in a lead-acid battery each cell produces 2 volts, so six cells in series would generate a total voltage of 12 volts. Lead-acid batteries are often used in vehicles due to their high current density and relative affordability.
However, keep in mind that the disadvantage of series connections of cells is that their internal resistances add up, which can create an increased total internal resistance for the battery.