Exercise EE1-02.02 – Electric potentials and voltage

Prof. Dr. Thorsten Jungmann (last updated 2025-10-15)

Relates to EE1-02 Electrical quantities and units, terms, symbols and models

Task

Three NiMH cells with a rated voltage of $U=1.2\mathrm{V}$ are connected in series in a rechargeable battery pack. The terminal labelled ‘0/COM’ of a voltmeter is connected to terminal B.

a) What are the measured potential differences at terminals A to D in the arrangement shown?

b) What would the potential differences be if A were chosen as the reference node?

c) What does the voltmeter display when point A is connected to terminal (+) and point D to terminal 0/COM?

d) How was the voltmeter connected if $U=3.6\mathrm{V}$ is displayed?

Solution

a) $-1.2\mathrm{V}$ / $0$ / $1.2\mathrm{V}$ / $2.4\mathrm{V}$
b) $0$ / $1.2\mathrm{V}$ / $2.4\mathrm{V}$ / $3.6\mathrm{V}$
c) $-3.6\mathrm{V}$
d) $U_{DA}$

▶️ Full worked solution