DC circuitsQuestion 774 of 1506

A battery discharges. What happens to its internal resistance and its open-circuit voltage?

  1. Both rise
  2. Both stay the same
  3. The resistance rises and the voltage falls
  4. The resistance falls and the voltage rises
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Correct answer: The resistance rises and the voltage falls

The electrolyte becomes less conductive and the chemicals more dilute.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits I: DC (Kuphaldt), 11.3: Battery Ratings

Practice dc circuits

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026