Batteries Flashcards
Who created the first battery?
Alessandro Volta
How was the first battery constructed?
It was constructed using zinc and silver discs separated by a piece of cardboard soaked in brine (saltwater).
True or False. A battery is several cells connected together
True
What is a voltaic cell?
A device that converts chemical energy into electric energy
How can a voltaic cell be constructed?
It can be constructed with any two unlike metals and an acid, alkaline, or salt solution.
Is the common battery people use for things like flashlights or toys a single cell or multiple cells?
Single cell
The amount of voltage produced by an individual cell is determined by what?
The materials from which it is made.
What is the electromotive series of metals?
A list of metals in order of their ability to accept or retrieve electrons. The metals at the top accept electrons more easily than those at the bottom.
The ________ apart metals are on the electromotive series the _______ the voltage.
Farther, higher.
What was one of the first practical cells to be produced?
Zinc-copper cells
Are all combinations of metals practical for cell creation?
No. Some combos corrode rapidly when placed in electrolyte solution and some produce chemical reactions that cause a buildup in resistance.
What is a primary cell?
A cell that cannot be recharged
What is a secondary cell?
A cell that can be recharged
What is one of the first primary cells created? Who created it?
Carbon-zinc cells. Leclanche
Why are carbon-zinc cells referred to as a dry cell?
The electrolyte is a paste instead of a liquid. This permits the cell to be used in any position without spilling the electrolyte.
What do alkaline cells use?
Zinc can (negative electrode) and manganese dioxide (positive electrode)
What is the major advantage and disadvantage of an alkaline cell?
The major advantage is longer life and the major disadvantage is cost.
Alkaline cells are generally (rechargeable/non-rechargeable)
Non-rechargeable
What are button cells typically made of?
Mercuric oxide (anode), zinc (cathode), and potassium hydroxide (electrolyte).
What is another type of button cell that is more expensive?
Silver-zinc cell
Lithium cells usually have voltages that range from _______ to _______
1.9 volts to 3.6 volts
What is current capacity?
The amount of energy a cell can deliver
The amount of current a particular cell can deliver is determined by ……
The surface area of its plates
What are two common ratings for primary cells?
Milliampere hour and watt-hours
How can watt-hours be determined?
By multiplying the cell’s milliampere-hour rating by its terminal voltage.
What is internal resistance?
The resistance inherent to a power source
True or False. Some cells have internal resistance
False. ALL cells have some amount of internal resistance
As cells age, they become (more/less) conductive which results in an (increase/decrease) in internal resistance.
Less. Increase
A single lead acid cell consists of ________
One plate of pure lead, one plate of lead dioxide, and an electrolyte of dilute sulfuric acid.
What is specific gravity?
A measure of the amount of acid contained in the water.
What is a discharge cycle?
When a battery releases its stored energy into through a load.
What is a charging cycle?
When a generator or power supply discharges into the battery. The revere chemical action of a discharge cycle.
Overcharge a secondary cell causes what to form?
Hydrogen gas
The accepted temperature for most lead acid cells _______
110 degrees F
What are gel cells?
A cell in which sulfuric acid electrolyte is suspended in an immobilized gelatin state. This prevents spillage and permits the battery to be used in any position.
What is an AGM battery?
A lead acid battery that does not spill sulfate or degrade like a common flooded cell battery.
What are three advantages of AGM batteries?
- They exhibit a longer life span
- They have a lower resistance
- They have a longer shelf life
What are two common ratings for lead-acid batteries?
Ampere-hour ratings and cold cranking amperes
What is an ampere-hour rating?
The battery’s ability to produce a current for a 20 hour period at 80 degrees fareneheit
What are cold-cranking amperes?
The maximum amount of initial current the battery can supply at 68 degrees fahrenheit.
