A battery with EMF E and internal resistance r is connected across a resistance R. The power consumption in R will be maximum when:
Q. A battery with EMF \(E\) and internal resistance \(r\) is connected across a resistance \(R\). The power consumption in \(R\) will be maximum when:
A. \( R = \sqrt{2}r \)
B. \( R = 2r \)
C. \( R = \frac{r}{2} \)
D. \( R = r \)
Correct Answer: \( R = r \)

Explanation (Complete Step-by-Step Derivation)

Current in the circuit:

\[ I = \frac{E}{R + r} \]

Power consumed in external resistance R:

\[ P = I^2 R \]

Substitute value of current:

\[ P = \left(\frac{E}{R+r}\right)^2 R \]

\[ P = \frac{E^2 R}{(R+r)^2} \]

To find maximum power, differentiate P with respect to R and equate to zero:

\[ \frac{d}{dR}\left(\frac{E^2 R}{(R+r)^2}\right)=0 \]

Since E² is constant, consider:

\[ f(R)=\frac{R}{(R+r)^2} \]

Using quotient rule:

\[ \frac{d}{dR}\left(\frac{R}{(R+r)^2}\right) = \frac{(R+r)^2(1)-R(2)(R+r)}{(R+r)^4} \]

Set numerator equal to zero:

\[ (R+r)^2 - 2R(R+r)=0 \]

\[ (R+r)\left[(R+r)-2R\right]=0 \]

\[ (R+r)(r-R)=0 \]

Ignoring trivial solution, we get:

\[ r-R=0 \]

\[ R=r \]

Therefore, power is maximum when:

\[ \boxed{R=r} \]

This is known as Maximum Power Transfer Theorem.

Related JEE Main Questions

Related Topics

jee mains jee advanced iit jee neet physics current electricity maximum power transfer theorem internal resistance power in resistor physics mcq jee mains physics revision iit jee electricity neet preparation physics engineering entrance exam physics conceptual questions competitive exam physics numerical physics jee physics practice questions exam oriented preparation electric circuits jee ohms law problems

Updated for JEE Main 2026: This PYQ is important for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced and other competitive exams. Practice more questions from this chapter.

Scroll to Top