Electric eels and electric fish generate large potential differences that are used to stun enemies and prey. These potentials are produced by cells that each can generate 0.10 V. We can reasonably model such cells as charged capacitors.

(a) How should these cells be connected (in series or parallel) to produce a total potential of more than 0.10 V?

(b) Using the connection in part (a), how many cells must be connected together to produce the 500 V surge of the electric eel?

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Physics

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20 April, 00:56

Electric eels and electric fish generate large potential differences that are used to stun enemies and prey. These potentials are produced by cells that each can generate 0.10 V. We can reasonably model such cells as charged capacitors.

(a) How should these cells be connected (in series or parallel) to produce a total potential of more than 0.10 V?

(b) Using the connection in part (a), how many cells must be connected together to produce the 500 V surge of the electric eel?

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Answers (1)

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Pratt · Answer 1

Potential by each fish, V = 0.10 V

(a) When we connect the two or more cells in series combination, the net voltage will add up the individual voltages.

(b) Total V = 500 V

Potential of each = 0.1 V

number of cells, n = 500 / 0.1 = 5000