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