Compare & Explain the differences between a lead-acid battery and a dry-cell battery?
With the help of well labelled diagram state the law of polarity
This is supposed to be a discussion question. You need to read about lead-acid storage batteries and dry cells and put them in context. Someone here will be happy to comment on your findings if you care to post them.
Lead-acid batteries and dry-cell batteries are two commonly used types of batteries, each with distinct characteristics. Let's compare and explain the differences between them:
1. Composition:
- Lead-Acid Battery: It consists of a lead (Pb) electrode immersed in a solution of sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
- Dry Cell Battery: It consists of a zinc (Zn) electrode surrounded by a paste of manganese dioxide (MnO2) and ammonium chloride (NH4Cl).
2. Performance:
- Lead-Acid Battery: It can deliver a high amount of current and is known for its relatively low internal resistance. Thus, it is suitable for applications requiring high power, such as automotive starting batteries.
- Dry Cell Battery: It provides a lower current and has a higher internal resistance compared to a lead-acid battery. Consequently, it is commonly used in low-power devices like flashlights and remote controls.
3. Maintenance:
- Lead-Acid Battery: It requires regular maintenance due to the evaporation of the electrolyte (sulfuric acid) and the accumulation of lead sulfate (PbSO4) on the electrodes. The electrolyte levels need to be monitored and replenished, and occasional desulfation is necessary for long-term use.
- Dry Cell Battery: It is virtually maintenance-free. Once depleted, it is typically discarded and replaced with a new battery.
4. Cost:
- Lead-Acid Battery: It is generally more affordable upfront.
- Dry Cell Battery: It tends to be relatively more expensive than lead-acid batteries.
5. Application:
- Lead-Acid Battery: It is commonly used in applications requiring large amounts of power, such as vehicles, backup power systems, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).
- Dry Cell Battery: It is often found in portable electronic devices, such as flashlights, radios, and toys.
To summarize, lead-acid batteries are known for their high power delivery, require maintenance, and are suitable for high-power applications. On the other hand, dry-cell batteries are low maintenance, used in low-power devices, and offer more convenience but at a higher cost.