Lead acid battery

Definition

A lead-acid battery is a type of rechargeable battery that uses lead dioxide and sponge lead as electrodes, and sulfuric acid as the electrolyte. Commonly used in automotive applications, it converts chemical energy to electrical energy through redox reactions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lead-acid batteries have a nominal voltage of approximately 2 volts per cell.
2. The overall reaction in a fully charged lead-acid battery during discharge involves the conversion of lead dioxide and sponge lead into lead sulfate.
3. They exhibit a relatively low energy-to-weight ratio compared to other types of rechargeable batteries like lithium-ion.
4. Lead-acid batteries are known for their high surge current capabilities, making them suitable for starter motors in vehicles.
5. Sulfuric acid concentration changes during the charging and discharging processes, affecting the battery's electromotive force (EMF).

Review Questions

• What is the nominal voltage per cell of a lead-acid battery?
• Explain the chemical reaction that occurs in a lead-acid battery during discharge.
• Why are lead-acid batteries commonly used in automotive applications?

Related terms

Electromotive Force (EMF):

The voltage generated by a source such as a battery or generator, which drives current around an electric circuit.

Redox Reaction: A chemical reaction involving the transfer of electrons between two species, crucial in converting chemical energy to electrical energy in batteries.

Sulfuric Acid: A highly corrosive strong mineral acid with molecular formula $H_2SO_4$, used as an electrolyte in lead-acid batteries.