Ideal voltage source model: Does an ideal voltage source have zero internal resistance so that its terminal voltage remains fixed regardless of load current?

Introduction / Context:
An ideal voltage source is a theoretical construct used in circuit analysis to simplify behavior: it maintains a specified terminal voltage independent of the current demanded by the load.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Two-terminal ideal source with fixed voltage Vs.
• No internal energy or thermal limits considered (theoretical model).
• Load may vary arbitrarily.

Concept / Approach:

The ideal voltage source is modeled with zero internal resistance (Rint = 0). With Rint = 0, the terminal voltage equals Vs for any load current. Any nonzero Rint results in a voltage drop V_drop = I_load * Rint, making the terminal voltage depend on load current and invalidating ideal behavior.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Duality: the ideal current source has infinite internal resistance. Thevenin equivalents use low Rth to approximate voltage sources; lower Rth approaches the ideal limit.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• The ideal definition holds for DC and AC; frequency is irrelevant.
• Load type does not affect ideal source behavior; it remains fixed-voltage by definition.
• Series-connecting sources does not change the internal resistance idealization.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing practical low-impedance sources (small but nonzero internal resistance) with the idealized zero-resistance model; always distinguish theory from real devices.

Final Answer:

True