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Alkaline Battery

A disposable, rechargeable battery with a high energy density that has storage longevity. Mostly used in consumer electronics such as remote controls, flashlights, etc.

In an alkaline battery, the anode (negative terminal) is made of zinc powder and the cathode (positive terminal) is composed of manganese dioxide. These batteries use potassium hydroxide (KOH) as an electrolyte (the substance that makes the battery electrically conductive).

Most alkaline batteries are made in cylindrical and button forms with the most popular sizes being AA, AAA, C and D. Some are rechargeable but most are not. If you attempt to recharge a non-rechargeable alkaline battery, it could rupture and leak hazardous liquids.

4 comments

Inéz Delacour

Hi great website, only i have two qualms:
a) if it’s for kids, maybe more use of more simplistic terms would be in order? not that’s children are stupid, just that this is more Year 8 Selective School level Science, so maybe a briefer explanation would be needed?; and
b) Please could we have some more info about how an alkaline battery works? because i have been trawling the internet and only ahem somewhat, in society’s eyes, untrustworthy sites have comprehensive information about the subject of alkaline batteries. This website does give a rough overview of what an alkaline battery is, however, if different batteries work differently, shouldn’t there be at least two contrasting battery studies demonstrating this?
Thanks, great site :)

John

I am disturbed by the fact that under “Projects” for all of the batteries, there are no instructions for a student! Why list them as projects? The rest of this website is very informative and good: http://www.chromebattery.com/battery-kids/how-batteries-work

Dyani

will the balloon melt?

Ale r

Do u know any experiments that kids 11-13 could do for their science fair projects about batteries?

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