Consider a rectangular loop of copper wire ABCD lying flat on a tabletop
PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Current Electricity · Current Electricity
Problem
Consider a rectangular loop of copper wire ABCD lying flat on a tabletop. Two ideal 12V batteries, Battery 1 and Battery 2, are placed inside the loop as follows:
• Battery 1 is installed on side AB with its positive terminal at A and negative at B.
• Battery 2 is installed on side CD with its positive terminal at C and negative at D.
Side BC contains an SPDT (single–pole double–throw) switch S whose common terminal is at point B. The switch can connect B either to point E (completing side BC) or to point F. Point F is connected directly to point A by an external jumper wire of negligible resistance.
(a) With the switch connected to E (so that BC is a normal conducting segment), analyze whether the circuit possesses any short circuits. Support your answer by discussing potential change around each distinct loop you identify.
(b) Now move the switch to F, connecting B directly to A through the jumper. Classify the new electrical state of side AB, side BC, and the overall loop. Explain how the presence of two sources influences your classification.
(c) Under the condition of part (b), determine whether any current flows through Battery 2. Provide a reasoned argument without performing a detailed numerical calculation.
(d) Suppose the jumper between F and A is removed while keeping the switch in position F. Describe the resulting circuit topology and predict qualitatively how current distribution among the two batteries changes compared to parts (a) and (b).