batteries

Nickel Metal Hydride batteries

Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that uses nickel and hydrogen alloys.

Lithium Ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that use lithium ions as a key component of their electrochemistry.

Sodium Ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries are a type of battery that uses sodium ions instead of lithium, offering a potentially cheaper and environmentally friendly alternative.

Chemical energy

The energy stored in the chemical bonds of a substance.

Electrical energy

Energy that is caused by the movement of electrons or electric charges.

Battery capacity ratings

Measures the amount of energy a battery can store and deliver, often in amp-hours.

Starter

The device used to crank the engine of a vehicle, drawing significant current from the battery.

Cold cranking amps (CCA)

The amount of current a battery can deliver at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 seconds while maintaining a voltage of at least 7.2 volts.

Reserve capacity

The time a battery can run on its own without the charging system, typically measured in minutes.

Lead-acid battery

A type of rechargeable battery that uses lead dioxide and sponge lead in an electrolyte solution.

Maintenance-free batteries

Batteries that require no regular water topping or maintenance beyond initial setup.

De-sulfation

A process to reverse the chemical changes in batteries when they discharge, which can cause loss of capacity.

Hydrogen gas

A highly flammable gas produced by lead-acid batteries when they are charged too aggressively.

AGM battery

Absorbent Glass Mat battery, a type of sealed lead-acid battery that is non-spillable and maintenance-free.

Battery electrolyte solution

A mixture of water and sulfuric acid that facilitates the flow of electric current in lead-acid batteries.

Separator

A barrier within a battery that prevents contact between positive and negative plates to avoid short-circuiting.

Sulfation

A condition where lead sulfate crystals form on the battery plates, reducing capacity and performance.

Batteries in series

Connecting batteries so that the total voltage is the sum of the individual batteries' voltages.

Power output

The amount of energy a battery can supply to start a vehicle or power electrical systems.

Charging system

The components of a vehicle that recharge the battery when the engine is running, typically including the alternator.

Grid framework

The structure supporting the plates inside a battery that facilitates the chemical reactions.

Chemical reaction

A process that involves the transformation of one or more substances, leading to new substances and energy release.

Voltage

The electrical potential difference between two points, measured in volts.

Capacity loss

The reduction in a battery's ability to hold and deliver energy, often due to age, use, and mischarging.

Vehicle electrical system

The network of components in a car that operates electrical systems, requiring a reliable battery.

Primary battery types

The main classifications of batteries, which include lead-acid, lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride, and sodium-ion.

Safety precautions with batteries

Measures taken to prevent accidents such as explosions and chemical burns when handling batteries.