Chemistry project
Car batteries
Group members
Assaf Nasir
Baharnesh Fasil
Calista Taye
Naomi Ejigu
Mariyamawit Sileshi
Year 11 alpha
1. Why do car batteries fail?
- Aging: As a car battery ages, its internal components degrade. The lead
plates become coated with sulphate, reducing their ability to conduct electricity
and hold a charge.
- Corrosion: The terminals, where the battery connects to the car, can corrode
over time. This corrosion can prevent the battery from effectively transmitting
power to the car’s electrical system.
- Discharge: Batteries can discharge if lights or electronics are left on when
the car isn't running, or if the car isn't driven regularly, which doesn't allow the
alternator to recharge the battery.
- Temperature Extremes: High temperatures can cause the battery fluid to
evaporate, damaging the internal structure, while low temperatures can slow the
chemical reactions inside the battery, reducing its ability to produce power.
- Faulty Charging System: If the car’s alternator or voltage regulator isn't
working properly, the battery may not get charged adequately or could be
overcharged, both of which can shorten its lifespan.
2. What are the components in the car battery?
- Lead Dioxide (PbO2): These are the positive plates in a lead-acid battery.
Lead dioxide reacts with the sulfuric acid in the electrolyte to produce electricity.
- Sponge Lead (Pb): These are the negative plates. Sponge lead also reacts
with the sulfuric acid to generate electric power.
- Electrolyte: A solution of sulfuric acid and water that facilitates the chemical
reactions between the plates.
- Separators: These are insulative materials placed between the positive and
negative plates to prevent them from touching and causing a short circuit.
- Battery Case: Typically made of durable plastic, it houses and protects the
internal components of the battery.
3. How are they assembled to a self-contained device?
- Stacking the Plates: Positive and negative plates are arranged alternately,
with separators in between each plate to prevent short circuits.
- Connecting Plates: Plates of the same polarity are connected with a strap or a
bus bar. These connections are usually welded or lead bonded.
- Inserting into Case: The assembled plates and separators are inserted into
individual cells within the battery case.
- Adding Electrolyte: The sulfuric acid and water solution (electrolyte) is added
to each cell, filling the case.
- Sealing the Case: The battery case is sealed to prevent the electrolyte from
leaking and to protect the internal components.
- Charging: The battery is given an initial charge to activate the chemical
reaction between the lead plates and the electrolyte.
4. What is the advantage of car battery over other types of
batteries such as dry cells?
- Higher Capacity: Car batteries are designed to store and deliver large
amounts of energy, necessary for starting a car engine.
- Rechargeable: Car batteries can be recharged and reused multiple times,
making them more sustainable for automotive use.
- High Current Output: Car batteries can deliver the high current needed to
turn over the car engine and power the vehicle’s electrical systems.
- Durability: Car batteries are built to withstand the vibrations, temperature
fluctuations, and other harsh conditions typical in automotive environments.
5. Each dry cell can generate 1.5 V. If we assemble 8 of them in
series, we can generate 12.0 V. So, why can't we use this option?
- Current Capacity: While 8 dry cells in series can provide the necessary
voltage, they cannot deliver the high current required to start a car engine.
- Durability: Dry cells are not built to endure the vibrations and temperature
changes that car batteries face.
- Rechargeability: Most dry cells are not rechargeable, which would require
frequent replacement, making them impractical for automotive use.
6. How is the health or the degree of discharge tested?
- Voltmeter: Measures the voltage across the battery terminals. A fully charged
car battery typically shows around 12.6 volts when the engine is off.
- Hydrometer: Measures the specific gravity of the electrolyte solution. This
helps determine the state of charge; a fully charged battery has a higher specific
gravity.
- Load Tester: Applies a load to the battery and measures its ability to maintain
voltage under that load, simulating the demand of starting a car.
- Conductance Tester: Measures the conductance or the battery's ability to
conduct current, which correlates with the battery’s health and capacity.
7. How is the battery recharged?
- Alternator: While the car engine is running, the alternator generates
electricity to recharge the battery and power the car’s electrical systems.
- Battery Charger: An external device that supplies electric current to the
battery. It’s typically plugged into a household outlet and connected to the
battery terminals.
- Solar Charger: Uses solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity to
recharge the battery. These are less common for automotive batteries but can
be useful for maintaining charge over time.
