A series-connected thermopile module contains 14 thermocouple junctions. If each junction … — Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

A series-connected thermopile module contains $14$ thermocouple junctions. If each junction generates an electromotive force (EMF) of $350\text{ mV}$ when heated, what is the total output potential difference of the module in volts ( $\text{V}$ )?

Answer: 4.9 V

Answer

The total output potential difference is

4.9\text{ V}

Because all

14

thermocouple junctions are connected in series aiding, their individual voltages sum directly:

14 \times 350\text{ mV} = 4{}900\text{ mV}

. Converting millivolts to volts by dividing by

1{}000

yields exactly

4.9\text{ V}

Step-by-Step Solution

Calculate the total series electromotive force in millivolts

E_{\text{total}} = 14 \times 350\text{ mV} = 4{}900\text{ mV}

When voltage sources or EMF-generating elements are connected in a series-aiding string, their individual electromotive forces add directly.

Convert the total potential difference from millivolts to standard volts

V = \frac{4{}900\text{ mV}}{1{}000\text{ mV/V}} = 4.9\text{ V}

The metric prefix 'milli-' indicates one thousandth (

10^{-3}

) of a base unit, requiring division by

1{}000

to convert millivolts to volts.

Key Concept

Series electromotive forces (EMFs) add algebraically in a series-aiding configuration, and millivolts convert to standard volts by a factor of

10^{-3}

(

1{}000\text{ mV} = 1\text{ V}

Estimated Time:1m 0s

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