---
title: "A photovoltaic cell is connected across a variable load resistor of resistance \\(R\\). The current \\(I\\) supplied by the cell as a function of terminal voltage \\(V\\) is modeled by \\(I(V) = I_0 \\left(1 – \\dfrac{V}{V_0}\\right)\\) for \\(0 \\le V \\le V_0\\), where \\(I_0\\) is the short-circuit current and \\(V_0\\) is the open-circuit voltage. What value of load resistance \\(R\\) maximizes the electrical power dissipated in the load resistor?"
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url: "https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/118449/"
date_modified: "2026-08-04T08:10:12+00:00"
---

# A photovoltaic cell is connected across a variable load resistor of resistance \(R\). The current \(I\) supplied by the cell as a function of terminal voltage \(V\) is modeled by \(I(V) = I_0 \left(1 – \dfrac{V}{V_0}\right)\) for \(0 \le V \le V_0\), where \(I_0\) is the short-circuit current and \(V_0\) is the open-circuit voltage. What value of load resistance \(R\) maximizes the electrical power dissipated in the load resistor?

A photovoltaic cell is connected across a variable load resistor of resistance \(R\). The current \(I\) supplied by the cell as a function of terminal voltage \(V\) is modeled by \(I(V) = I_0 \left(1 - \dfrac{V}{V_0}\right)\) for \(0 \le V \le V_0\), where \(I_0\) is the short-circuit current and \(V_0\) is the open-circuit voltage. What value of load resistance \(R\) maximizes the electrical power dissipated in the load resistor?

![A simple single-loop circuit schematic oriented horizontally. On the left vertical wire, a rectangular box represents a solar cell, labeled with terminal voltage \(V\) across its terminals and an arrow indicating current \(I\) exiting its top terminal. On the right vertical wire, a standard zig-zag symbol with an arrow drawn diagonally through it represents a variable load resistor, labeled \(R\). Solid horizontal wires connect the top terminals and bottom terminals, completing the loop. No other components, text, or construction lines appear.](https://nerd-notes.com/wp-content/uploads/ubq-frq-generated/stem-fig-1-1785831012-YcKwxD.jpg)

- **A.** \(\dfrac{V_0}{4I_0}\)
- **B.** \(\dfrac{V_0}{2I_0}\)
- **C.** \(\dfrac{2V_0}{3I_0}\)
- **D.** \(\dfrac{V_0}{I_0}\)

*The answer key and step-by-step explanation are available to logged-in users at https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/118449/*