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Batteries
Batteries are sources of chemical energy that are used in circuits to provide electrical energy for a wide range of useful devices. Any questions and answers regarding batteries or other power supplies would be welcome here.
4,818 Questions
What describes electricity flowing from a battery though a switch to a light bulb?
Circuit
Electrons flow form the positive end of the battery through the wire connecting the positive terminal to a switch. The other end of the switch is connected to one terminal on the bulb, the other terminal of the bulb is connected to the negative end of the battery. No electrons (current) flows as long as the switch is open. Once the switch is closed and if the battery has enough voltage and current capacity to make the filament in the bulb glow, then the bulb emits light (together with wasted heat). If the switch is open, no current flows through the entire circuit and the bulb does not glow.
How many AA batteries make 6 volts?
It depends upon the chemistry. Alkaline cells generate 1.5 Volts each, so six of them would yield 9 Volts, whereas six rechargeable cells would only yield 7.5 Volts, since each cell produces 1.25 Volts.
Why does the battery discharges?
All batteries have what is called "shelf life" That is the measure of how long the battery will keep a charge while sitting. Every battery will discharge over a period of time. It just depends upon the battery and the conditions of storage.
What were first built by Alejandro Volta?
Count Alessandro Giuseppe Antonio Anastasio Volto was an Italian physicist. He built the first electrochemical battery in the year 1800.
Can you charge battery by mechanical energy?
No. There are, indeed, ways to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, but a battery is not usually designed to do this. You can convert mechanical energy to electrical energy by another device, but the battery itself has to be charged by electricity.
On which store can I buy AAA batteries that last long?
Guinness world record confirmed that Panasonic's EVOLTA AA batteries are the longest lasting.
Is a double a battery stronger than a 9v battery?
"Stronger" isn't a good word here.
Given the most common D and 9V batteries, it's more a question of "different" than "stronger".
The 9V has a higher voltage, while the D cell has a bigger capacity. What'll be best depends on what you need. It's like trying to decide if a sports car is better than a tractor.
How are car and flashlight batteries different?
Car batteries will make a larger explosion than flashlight batteries would.
Can a dry cell battery be recharged?
Some wet cells can be recharged (e.g. lead acid cell) some wet cells can't be recharged (e.g. gravity cell).
Some dry cells can be recharged (e.g. NiMH cell) some wet cells can't be recharged (e.g. carbon zinc cell).
It depends on the cell chemistry not the wet/dry construction. Also any wet cell can be made into a dry cell by absorbing the wet electrolyte into something and making a damp paste electrolyte.
In Bolivia, where I live, I have seen car batteries sold at the equivalent of somewhere between 50 and 100 US-dollars. The price varies quite a lot, depending on the brand and the capacity (which is usually expressed in Ah).
Can you overcharge a li-lon battery?
Maximizing Battery Life
While recent advances in battery technology have tremendously increased cell phone standby and talk time capabilities, even the strongest battery will eventually run out of power and need to be recharged. Discovering a dead battery when you need to your cell phone is a situation most of us can avoid by practicing a few simple usage and recharging habits.
Fully discharge your battery before recharging (oldest type - no longer required on new battry type )
The oldest type of battery, Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad), needs to be recharged carefully. Make sure that NiCad batteries are completely discharged, or "empty," before recharging to avoid what is known as "memory effect." This is a condition in which your battery "forgets" its full charge capacity. "Memory effect" not only decreases the amount of power you receive per charge, but also shortens total battery life over the long term.
"Memory effect" happens to a much lesser extent with the more recently developed Nickel-Metal Hydrate (NiMH) batteries, but it's still wise to periodically discharge fully before recharging, especially the first few times with brand new batteries.
Upgrade to Lithium-ion
The newest battery technology, the Lithium-Ion (LiON), provides longer life than nickel-based batteries and is not susceptible to "memory effect." That means you can randomly recharge LiON batteries without jeopardizing performance.
However, when you are "breaking in" a new LiON battery, it's still a good idea to fully discharge it the first few times.
Do not overcharge your battery
With all types of batteries, be sure not to charge your battery much longer than what is specified by the manufacturer. Overcharging your battery "boils" its cells and affects long term performance.
Keep an eye on your battery level.
Most wireless phones have a battery level indicator on the display indicating how much power is available. Particularly if you travel frequently, are in a remote area, or keep your phone on hand for emergency purposes, it is important not to take chances with the battery level. Remember that entering numbers in the phone's memory, adjusting the phone's settings, and accessing features such as call history also tap battery power.
How can you tell if a lithium battery has been discharged?
The device it powers will tell you this. That is the only way to know as attempting to use a meter on these batteries will still show full voltage when discharged and accidentally shorting them with the meter can cause a fire or explosion.
Do lead acid batteries contain platinum?
They have lead plates. When they wear out is when you replace the battery.
Should you let your phone battery go dead before charging it?
It is wise to let batteries - whether in a cell phone or laptop - to run all the way down from time to time. Continuously charging your phone or computer can cause batteries to swell and lose their ability to hold a charge for long periods of time.
Should I be worried about batteries leaking in my childrens toys?
I Believe This Is The Best Thing For You. Having A Child Myself I Will Tell You At First We Did Not Use Rechargeable Batteries. This Ended Up Being Very Expensive. Buying Rechargeable Will Cost More Up Front But Will Save You In The Long Run.
How are batteries and generators the same?
A battery stores electrical energy in the form of chemical energy within it's cell(s), which can contain the element Lithium or other suitable elements. The chemical molecules are unstable- that is to say, 'top heavy' with more electrons than they need. When the battery is being used, these excess electrons are discharged in the form of electrical current. Eventually, the chemical molecules within the cell become increasingly stable as the excess electrons are lost, and when this happens the battery runs down and loses power.
An electrical generator, on the other hand, MANUFACTURES electrical current via continuous reaction between a revolving magnetic coil (the 'commutator') which has a positive charge, and a surrounding shell (the 'insulator') that is negatively charged. The constant rapid attraction / repulsion sequences create waves of electrical current, which when coming close enough together can lead to a near continuous stream of electricity.
SO- Battery STORES electricity as CHEMICAL ENERGY in a LIMITED AMOUNT
Electrical generator CREATES electricity with NO LIMITS to the amount
What type of computer is powered by batteries?
All computers will use batteries in some form or other. Desktop Computers will have small cell battery (the type used for hearing aids) which is just used to keep the time etc, while Laptops tend to use a Lithium-ion battery which is rechargeable. A few Laptops still use NiMH type batteries but these are in the minority.
What makes rayovac batteries better than other brands?
If you need batteries, I would recommend never buying generic, no matter how good they work. The generic ones to not put the better seals and dialectic grease inside the casing like an energizer or a Duracell would do.
Why was mercury chosen the job in batteries?
Because it has the required chemical properties to function in a battery.
Why is energizer a good battery?
When comparing the quality of Rayovac, Energizer and Duracell batteries, Duracell batteries comes out on top. But when it comes to saving money, Rayovac batteries would be the best opportunity.
What rechargeable batteries have the longest shelf life?
Energizer recharable batteries offer the best charge the longest.
What is inside a battery an how does it work?
Batteries convert chemical energy into electricity. Batteries are made up of one or more separate sections, or cells, containing a chemical called an electrolyte.
Each cell has two electrically conductive electrodes immersed into its electrolyte. The electrodes are made of different materials; one releases electrons into the electrolyte, and the other absorbs them.
When an electrical device is connected to the electrodes, an electrical current flows through it and provides electric power for its operation.
Another answer
First we have to understand what a battery is made from. A battery consists of a number of separate cells. Each cell contains two different plates. The plates are held fixed and separated from each other. They are surrounded ("wetted" or "soaked") by a special chemical fluid or paste which conducts electricity.
One plate is called the "positive" ("+ve"), the other is called the "negative". ("-ve"). Every cell works because the plates react with the special chemical in such a way that an electrical current can be drawn off from the two terminals of the cell.
As current is drawn from the cell its plates - and the special chemical in which the plates are immersed - all gradually change their chemical composition. The result is that, as current is drawn off, the charge stored in the cell is reduced.
Another result is that the voltage given out by the cell drops. If nothing is done to replace the charge that has been taken from the cell then, eventually, a point is reached when no more charge can be taken out. That happens because the chemical composition of the plates and the special fluid can change no further. The cell is then called "flat" or "dead".
An even longer answer
"AA" and "AAA" are the international size references for two very popular kinds of cell. Size "AA" is bigger than size "AAA". These sizes are commonly used in flashlights, radios, MP3 players and personal amplifiers, etc. These cells each produce an output voltage of around 1.5 volts, direct current.
You can get them in two main kinds: "for-one-time-use" or "rechargeable".
To be able to explain how they work you will need to know what is inside them. If you have some knowledge of physics and chemistry that would come in handy too, but anyway here goes...
Any item with no moving parts which can produce a direct current flow of electricity is known as a "cell". Every cell contains two different plates. The plates are held fixed and separated from each other. They are placed in a special chemical fluid or paste which conducts electricity. One plate is called the "positive" ("+ve"), the other is called the "negative". ("-ve").
Each plate must be made of a different type of material to the other. The plates can then react with the special chemical in such a way that an electrical current can be drawn off from the cell. [It may be worth mentioning here that if both plates were made from the same material then no difference in voltage would be produced between them and no current could be taken from the cell. Nor could it be charged up.]
As current is drawn from the cell its plates - and the special chemical in which the plates are immersed - all gradually change their chemical composition. The result is that, as current is drawn off, the charge stored in the cell is reduced.
Another result is that the voltage given out by the cell drops. If nothing is done to replace the charge that has been taken from the cell then, eventually, a point is reached when no more charge can be taken out. That happens because the chemical composition of the plates and the special fluid can change no further. The cell is then called "flat" or "dead".
The actual types of materials used to make a cell determine the output voltage it produces. The physical size of a cell determines both 1) how much charge the cell can produce during its life and 2) how fast it can release that charge. (The bigger the cell, the higher is the total charge it can produce along with a higher charge release rate.)
There are lots of different types of AA and AAA cells. The name of the cell-type depends on the metallic elements and chemicals it contains. The name of the type of cell will normally be printed on the cell itself and/or on the packaging in which it is sold.
Common cell- type names are given to cells from the metals and chemicals used to build them, such as: "Zinc/Carbon", "Alkaline" (containing various elemental metals and/or metallic compounds), "NMH" (Nickel Metal Hydride), "Lithium Cobalt Oxide".
Many other sizes of cell are manufactured. Some sizes are available which produce a voltage that is not around 1.5 volts because they are made using different elements for the plates than the kinds used to make AA or AAA cells.
In general the output voltage depends on the materials which have been used to make the cell. Each lead-acid cell in a common car battery produces an output voltage of around 2 volts. Lithium cells produce around 3 volts.
Another short answer
For the invention of the battery we must thank the frog. In the 1780s the Italian physicist Luigi Galvani discovered a dead frog's leg would twitch when touched with two pieces of metal. Galvani had created a crude circuit.
The work was taken up by Professor Alessandro Volta. He created the Voltaic Pile, which is two discs: one made of zinc and one of copper, with a piece of cardboard soaked in brine between the two metal discs. This was the first "wet battery".
electricity
First we have to understand what a battery is made from. A battery consists of a number of separate cells. Each cell contains two different plates. The plates are held fixed and separated from each other. They are surrounded ("wetted" or "soaked") by a special chemical fluid or paste which conducts electricity. One plate is called the "positive" ("+ve"), the other is called the "negative". ("-ve"). Every cell works because the plates react with the special chemical in such a way that an electrical current can be drawn off from the two terminals of the cell. As current is drawn from the cell its plates - and the special chemical in which the plates are immersed - all gradually change their chemical composition. The result is that, as current is drawn off, the charge stored in the cell is reduced. Another result is that the voltage given out by the cell drops. If nothing is done to replace the charge that has been taken from the cell then, eventually, a point is reached when no more charge can be taken out. That happens because the chemical composition of the plates and the special fluid can change no further. The cell is then called "flat" or "dead". "AA" and "AAA" are the international size references for two very popular kinds of cell. Size "AA" is bigger than size "AAA". These sizes are commonly used in flashlights, radios, MP3 players and personal amplifiers, etc. These cells each produce an output voltage of around 1.5 volts, direct current. You can get them in two main kinds: "for-one-time-use" or "rechargeable". To be able to explain how they work you will need to know what is inside them. If you have some knowledge of physics and chemistry that would come in handy too, but anyway here goes... Any item with no moving parts which can produce a direct current flow of electricity is known as a "cell". Every cell contains two different plates. The plates are held fixed and separated from each other. They are placed in a special chemical fluid or paste which conducts electricity. One plate is called the "positive" ("+ve"), the other is called the "negative". ("-ve"). Each plate must be made of a different type of material to the other. The plates can then react with the special chemical in such a way that an electrical current can be drawn off from the cell. [It may be worth mentioning here that if both plates were made from the same material then no difference in voltage would be produced between them and no current could be taken from the cell. Nor could it be charged up.] As current is drawn from the cell its plates - and the special chemical in which the plates are immersed - all gradually change their chemical composition. The result is that, as current is drawn off, the charge stored in the cell is reduced. Another result is that the voltage given out by the cell drops. If nothing is done to replace the charge that has been taken from the cell then, eventually, a point is reached when no more charge can be taken out. That happens because the chemical composition of the plates and the special fluid can change no further. The cell is then called "flat" or "dead". The actual types of materials used to make a cell determine the output voltage it produces. The physical size of a cell determines both 1) how much charge the cell can produce during its life and 2) how fast it can release that charge. (The bigger the cell, the higher is the total charge it can produce along with a higher charge release rate.) There are lots of different types of AA and AAA cells. The name of the cell-type depends on the metallic elements and chemicals it contains. The name of the type of cell will normally be printed on the cell itself and/or on the packaging in which it is sold. Common cell- type names are given to cells from the metals and chemicals used to build them, such as: "Zinc/Carbon", "Alkaline" (containing various elemental metals and/or metallic compounds), "NMH" (Nickel Metal Hydride), "Lithium Cobalt Oxide". Many other sizes of cell are manufactured. Some sizes are available which produce a voltage that is not around 1.5 volts because they are made using different elements for the plates than the kinds used to make AA or AAA cells. In general the output voltage depends on the materials which have been used to make the cell. The cells in a car battery produce an output voltage of around 2 volts. Lithium cells produce around 3 volts.
