XPost: sci.electronics.basics   
   From: tgm2tothe10thpower@replacetextwithnumber.hotmail.com   
      
   John Popelish said something like:   
   > Thomas G. Marshall wrote:   
   >> Fundamental questions.   
   >>   
   >> Given:   
   >>   
   >> If I wire two 3V 1mA batteries in parallel, the result is 3V 2mA.   
   >>   
   >> If I wire two 3V 1mA batteries in series, the result is 6V 1mA.   
   >   
   > Batteries are not rated for current, but with current times   
   > time, e.g. mA H for milliampere times hour.   
      
   Ok, fair enough.   
      
      
   >> BUT:   
   >>   
   >> 1. What happens if I wire the following in parallel:   
   >>   
   >>         3V 1mA   
   >>         6V 1mA   
   >   
   > The higher voltage battery runs down very quickly, trying to   
   > charge the lower voltage battery.  The exact process depends   
   > on whether this causes either of the batteries to be   
   > permanently damaged or not.   
   >   
   >> 2. And similarly, the following in series:   
   >>   
   >>         3V 1mA   
   >>         3V 2mA   
   >   
   > If those are milliampere hour ratings, then you get a 6 volt   
   > battery for the first milliampere hour output, then you get   
   > a much lower voltage as the larger battery tires to reverse   
   > charge the smaller battery with whatever load the remaining   
   > voltage drives through the load.   
   >   
   >> Does #1 above average the voltage to 4.5V?   
   >   
   > Almost certainly, no.   
   >   
   >> Does #2 above average the current to 1.5mA?   
   >   
   > No.   
      
   Fair enough.....thanks!  Too bad, in addition to two very clear, educating,   
   and friendly replies, there had to be a rude idiot.  After 5000 posts in   
   usenet, I'm used to seeing all forms of foolishness, but it still amazes me   
   a little.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
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