Year 12 3A/3B Chemistry battery

assignment
Chosen Battery (Number 4 on table provided)
1. Lead acid battery
2. Nickel-cadmium battery or nickel-metal
hydride battery
3. Alkaline battery

Alkaline battery
Anode Reaction
In an alkaline battery, the anode (negative terminal) is made of zinc power. This allows
for a greater surface area which results in an increased rate of reaction and hence a
greater rate of electron flow.

Zn(s) + 2OH(aq) ZnO(s) + H2O(l) + 2e

Cathode Reactions
In an alkaline battery, the cathode (Positive terminal) is composed of manganese
dioxide. In an alkaline battery, KOH is used as an electrolyte; this is where the alkaline
battery gets its name from as potassium hydroxide electrolyte in an alkaline substance.

2MnO2(s) + H2O(l) + 2e Mn2O3(s) + 2OH(aq)

Overall Reactions
Alkaline batteries are a type of primary batteries dependent upon the reaction
between zinc and manganese dioxide (Zn/MnO2). The overall reaction for this battery is
given below:

Zn(s) + MnO2(s) ZnO(s) + Mn2O3(s)

Uses
An

alkaline battery is defined as a long lived dry cell with an alkaline electrolyte
that decreases corrosion of the cell. Alkaline batteries come in different sizes
which mean they also have many uses. To two most common sizes are AA
alkaline batteries and AAA alkaline batteries. There are many uses for alkaline
batteries. Some of the main ones include portable electronic devices, portable
compact disk players, boom boxes, remote controls, digital cameras and even
smoke alarms.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages

disadvantages

Alkaline batteries have longer shelf life

than other batteries of the chloride type
electrolyte batteries.
They have a much higher energy density
compared with other batteries. This allows
the battery to last longer while producing
the same energy throughout its use.
Alkaline batteries are the most suitable for
applications where the current being
drawn off is normally low such as in
devices that do not require a lot of power
during their use.
Alkaline batteries are best used in devices
that are used periodically like remote
controls, radios or devices that will remain
switched off for long periods of time.
The rechargeable alkaline battery can be
used hundreds of time if recharging is
done after the battery has been used to
only 25 percent of its capacity.
Costs of an alkaline battery are much
lower than the other more sophisticated
ones containing nickel and cadmium.
Alkaline batteries can be disposed off as
normal waste and do not require any
special disposal techniques.
Alkaline batteries function well even at
very low temperatures.
The technology of making these batteries
is widespread and available in the smallest
of countries.

Alkaline batteries are bulkier than other

lithium batteries which give much higher
energy.
Alkaline batteries have a high internal
resistance. This reduces the run time and
produces early warning of Low battery in
any device.
They will not last long in applications that
have high start up current requirements or
even require a lot of power while in use.
Rechargeable alkaline batteries are said to
give a much lower performance than
standard alkaline batteries
Recharging of batteries can be a hassle
and can catch you unawares when you
least expect it. Keeping track of the usage
and recharging the batteries at regular
intervals when they are not yet fully
discharged can help overcome this
problem.
The high cost of the battery charger
initially can be a disadvantage.
A defective battery charger can cause the
alkaline batteries to explode.
Alkaline batteries kept in devices that are
not used for a long time, can leak and thus
completely ruin the device itself because
of the corrosive nature of the leaked
material.

Bibliography and referencing (alkaline batteries)

Link
http://www.dynamicscience.com.au/teste
r/solutions/chemistry/redox/alkaln.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkaline_batt
ery

Bibliography/reference
"Chemistry-redox-alkaline
Batteries." Chemistry-redox-alkaline
Batteries. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 July 2012.
<http://www.dynamicscience.com.au/tester/
solutions/chemistry/redox/alkaln.html>.
"Alkaline Battery." Wikipedia.
Wikimedia Foundation, 07 Mar. 2012. Web.
12 July 2012.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkaline_batter
y>

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/eve
ryday-tech/battery3.htm

http://hyperphysics.phyastr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/battery.html

HowStuffWorks. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 July

2012.
<http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/every
day-tech/battery3.htm>.
"Batteries." Batteries. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 July
2012. <http://hyperphysics.phyastr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/battery.html>.

http://suite101.com/article/alkalinebattery-uses-and-other-information-onalkaline-batteries-a279227

"Alkaline Battery Uses and Other

Information on Alkaline
Batteries." Suite101.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12
July 2012.
<http://suite101.com/article/alkalinebattery-uses-and-other-information-onalkaline-batteries-a279227>.

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/alkaline
-battery-advantages-anddisadvantages#b

"Alkaline Battery: Advantages and

Disadvantages." DIY Home Improvement
Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 July 2012.
<http://www.doityourself.com/stry/alkalinebattery-advantages-and-disadvantages>.

Nickel-cadmium battery or nickel-metal hydride battery

Anode Reaction
In a Nickel-Cadmium battery, the anode (negative terminal) is Cadmium. The NickelCadmium battery also uses KOH as an electrolyte.

Cd(s) + 2OH(aq) Cd(OH)2(s) + 2e

Cathode reaction
In a Nickel-Cadmium battery, the cathode (positive terminal) is Nickel. The following
equation shows the reaction that occurs at the cathode.

NiO(OH)(s) + H20(l) + 2e- Ni(OH)2(s) +

2OH(aq)
Overall reaction
The nickelcadmium battery (NiCd battery)
type of rechargeable battery using nickel oxide
hydroxide and metallic cadmium as electrodes. The net
reaction is given below.

2NiO(OH)(s) + Cd(s) + 2H20(l)

2Ni(OH)2(s) + Cd(OH)2(s)
Uses
Nickel Cadmium cells may be used individually, or assembled into battery packs
containing two or more cells. Small cells are used for portable electronics and toys,
often using cells manufactured in the same sizes as primary cells.. Miniature button

is a

cells are sometimes used in photographic equipment, hand-held lamps (flashlight or

torch), computer-memory standby, toys, and novelties.
Specialty Nickel Cadmium batteries are used in cordless and wireless telephones,
emergency lighting, and other applications. With a relatively low internal resistance,
they can supply high surge currents. This makes them a favourable choice for remotecontrolled electric model airplanes, boats, and cars, as well as cordless power tools and
camera flash units. Larger flooded cells are used for aircraft starting batteries, electric
vehicles, and standby power.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

The batteries are more difficult to damage

than other batteries, tolerating deep
discharge for long periods. In fact, Nickel
Cadmium batteries in long-term storage
are typically stored fully discharged. This
is in contrast, for example, to lithium ion
batteries, which are less stable and will be
permanently damaged if discharged below
a minimum voltage.
Nickel Cadmium batteries typically last
longer, in terms of number of
charge/discharge cycles, than other
rechargeable batteries such as lead/acid
batteries.
Compared to leadacid batteries, Nickel
Cadmium batteries have a much
higher energy density. A Nickel Cadmium
battery is smaller and lighter than a
comparable leadacid battery. In cases
where size and weight are important
considerations (for example, aircraft),
Nickel Cadmium batteries are preferred
over the cheaper leadacid batteries.
In consumer applications, Nickel Cadmium
batteries compete directly with alkaline
batteries. A Nickel Cadmium cell has a
lower capacity than that of an equivalent
alkaline cell, and costs more. However,
since the alkaline batteries chemical
reaction is not reversible, a reusable Nickel
Cadmium battery has a significantly
longer total lifetime.
Nickel Cadmium battery has a slightly
lower internal resistance, and thus can
achieve a higher maximum discharge rate
(which can be important for applications
such as power tools).

disadvantages

The primary trade-off with Nickel cadmium

batteries is their higher cost and the use
of cadmium. This heavy metal is an
environmental hazard, and is highly toxic
to all higher forms of life. They are also
more costly than leadacid batteries
because nickel and cadmium cost more.
One of the biggest disadvantages is that
the battery exhibits a very marked
negative temperature coefficient. This
means that as the cell temperature rises,
the internal resistance falls. This can pose
considerable charging problems,
particularly with the relatively simple
charging systems employed for lead
acid type batteries..

Bibliography and referencing (Nickel cadmium battery)

Link
http://www.ausetute.com.au/battery.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel
%E2%80%93cadmium_battery

Bibliography/reference
"Electrochemical Cells &
Batteries." Chemistry Tutorial :. N.p., n.d.
Web. 12 July 2012.
<http://www.ausetute.com.au/battery.html>
.
N.p., n.d. Web.

Lead-acid battery
Anode reaction
In a lead-acid battery, the anode (negative terminal) is made Lead plates. The reaction
that occurs that the anode is given below:

Pb(s) + HSO4(aq) PbSO4(s) + H+(aq) + 2e

Cathode reaction
In a lead-acid battery, the cathode (positive terminal) is made Lead plates covered with
PbO2. The reaction that occurs that occurs at the cathode is given below. In this, H 2SO4
is used as an electrolyte.

PbO2(s) + 3H+

(aq )

+ HSO4(aq) + 2e PbSO4(s) + 2H2O(l)

Overall reaction
Leadacid batteries are the oldest type of rechargeable battery. Their ability to
supply high surge currents means that the cells maintain a relatively large
power-to-weight ratio. These features, along with their low cost, make them
attractive for use in motor vehicles to provide the high current required by
automobile starter motors. The net equation for this type of battery is given
below:
Pb(s) + PbO2(s) + 2H2SO4(aq) 2PbSO4(s) + 2H2O(l)

Uses

Most of the world lead-acid

batteries are used in automobile starting,
lighting and ignition batteries. Wet cell stand-by batteries designed for deep
discharge are commonly used in large backup power supplies for telephone and
computer centres, grid energy storage, and off-grid household electric power
systems. Leadacid batteries are used in emergency lighting and to power sump
pumps in case of power failure. Large lead-acid batteries are also used to power
the electric motors in diesel electric submarines and are used on nuclear
submarines as well. Leadacid batteries were used to supply the filament
(heater) voltage, with 2 V common in early vacuum tube (valve) radio receivers.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages

disadvantages

Low cost.
Reliable. Over 140 years of development.
Robust. Tolerant to abuse.
Tolerant to overcharging.
Low internal impedance.
Can deliver very high currents.
Indefinite shelf life if stored without
electrolyte.
Can be left on trickle or float charge for
prolonged periods.
Wide range of sizes and capacities
available.
Many suppliers worldwide.
The world's most recycled product.
Lead- acid batteries are inexpensive. They
are simple and easy to manufacture.
They are durable and dependable. The
technology is well-understood, mature,
and reliable.
The self-discharge rates are low. Lead acid
batteries self-discharge lower than most
rechargeable batteries.
Low maintenance needed. Lead acid
batteries have no electrolyte to fill and no
memory. They are capable of high
discharge rates.

Link
http://www.ausetute.com.au/battery.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead
%E2%80%93acid_battery
http://www.mpoweruk.com/leadacid.htm

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?
note_id=194258527274717

Lead acid batteries cant be stored in

discharged condition

Poor weight-to-energy density limits. Lead

acid batteries have a low energy density.
This limits battery use to stationary and
wheeled applications.

Limited full discharge cycles and is best

suited for standby applications requiring
occasional deep discharge.

Electrolyte and lead content can cause

environmental damage. Lead acid
batteries are environmentally unfriendly.
There are transportation restrictions on
flooded lead acid batteries. There are
extra concerns regarding spillage if there
is an accident.

Improperly charged batteries can cause

thermal runaway.

Bibliography/reference
"Electrochemical Cells &
Batteries." Chemistry Tutorial :. N.p., n.d.
Web. 12 July 2012.
<http://www.ausetute.com.au/battery.html>
.
N.p., n.d. Web.
"Battery and Energy Technologies." Lead
Acid Batteries. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 July 2012.
<http://www.mpoweruk.com/leadacid.htm>.
"The Advantages and Disadvantages of Lead
Acid Batteries | Facebook." The Advantages
and Disadvantages of Lead Acid Batteries |
Facebook. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 July 2012.
<http://www.facebook.com/note.php?
note_id=194258527274717>.

Bibliography and referencing (Lead acid battery)