In the diagram above, if the internal resistance of the cell is zero, the ration of the powers P1 and P2 dissipated by R1 and R2

In the diagram above, if the internal resistance of the cell is zero, the ration of the powers P1 and P2 dissipated by R1 and R2

Answer Details

If the internal resistance of the cell is zero, then the potential difference across the cell is equal to the potential difference across R1 and R2 combined. Therefore, the current passing through R1 and R2 will be in the inverse ratio of their resistances. The power dissipated in a resistor is proportional to the square of the current passing through it. So, the ratio of the powers P1 and P2 dissipated by R1 and R2 will be equal to the square of the inverse ratio of their resistances. Thus, the answer is: R2/R1.