Question

Difficulty: MediumVoltage and Electromotive Force (EMF)

An avionics technician reads a specification sheet indicating that an auxiliary battery provides an electromotive force (EMF) of 28 V28\text{ V}. What does this 28 V28\text{ V} EMF rating fundamentally represent?

  1. The battery supplies 28 joules28\text{ joules} of electrical energy for every 1 coulomb1\text{ coulomb} of charge moved.Answer
  2. B
    The battery maintains a continuous current flow of 28 coulombs28\text{ coulombs} of charge per second.
  3. C
    The battery exerts an internal opposition to electron flow equal to 28 ohms28\text{ ohms}.
  4. D
    The battery produces alternating polarity reversals at a rate of 28 cycles28\text{ cycles} per second.

Answer

The battery supplies 28 joules28\text{ joules} of electrical energy for every 1 coulomb1\text{ coulomb} of charge moved.
Electromotive force (EMF), measured in volts, represents the electrical potential energy imparted to charge carriers by a source. By definition, one volt equals one joule of energy per one coulomb of charge (1 V=1 J/C1\text{ V} = 1\text{ J/C}). Therefore, a 28 V28\text{ V} rating indicates that the battery supplies 28 joules28\text{ joules} of energy for each coulomb of charge transferred.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Recall the fundamental physical definition of electromotive force (EMF) and electric potential difference.
Voltage (VV) is defined as electrical work or energy (WW) per unit charge (QQ), expressed by the formula V=WQV = \frac{W}{Q}.
Electromotive force represents the electric pressure or energy supplied to charge carriers by a power source.
2
Apply the standard units of measurement to the voltage formula.
1 volt=1 joule per coulomb1\text{ volt} = 1\text{ joule per coulomb} (1 V=1 J/C1\text{ V} = 1\text{ J/C}).
Joules measure energy or work done, while coulombs measure quantity of electric charge.
3
Evaluate a potential difference of 28 V28\text{ V} using these units.
A rating of 28 V28\text{ V} means 28 joules28\text{ joules} of electrical energy are supplied to each coulomb of charge.
Direct multiplication: 28 V=28 J/C28\text{ V} = 28\text{ J/C}.

Key Concept

Voltage and Electromotive Force (EMF) as electrical potential energy per unit charge (1 V=1 J/C1\text{ V} = 1\text{ J/C})
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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