Battery connection

[Julie <jquah@PACIFIC.NET.SG>]

Dear all,

Encountered this problem which i am not very sure. Please enlighten.

If two batteries are connected in parallel (1.5V and 3.0 V), and the connection is such that the same terminals are

(a)    at the same side

        I

--------I I -------

        I    3.0 V

 

        I

--------I I ---------

        I   1.5V

 

 

(b)    opposite side,

          I

--------I I -------

          I  3.0 V

 

        I

--------I I ---------

        I   1.5V

 

the former circuit would have an effective voltage of 1.5 V, but the latter?  Why?

Thanks.

Julie