Flooded lead-acid batteries work through a chemical reaction involving a liquid electrolyte that generates an electric current.
The Basic Functionality
A flooded lead-acid battery's functionality relies on a chemical reaction between its components:
- Electrolyte: A liquid, typically sulfuric acid, that facilitates the flow of ions between the electrodes.
- Electrodes: Lead plates (lead dioxide for the positive electrode and sponge lead for the negative electrode) immersed in the electrolyte.
The Chemical Reaction Explained
According to provided information, flooded batteries use a liquid electrolyte-containing medium to trigger a chemical reaction. When the battery is connected to a circuit, the acid bonds to the lead plates. This bonding action sets off a reaction that results in an electric current flowing through the circuit.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process:
-
Discharge:
- When the battery discharges (provides power), sulfuric acid in the electrolyte reacts with the lead on the plates, forming lead sulfate.
- This reaction releases electrons, which flow through the external circuit, providing electrical energy.
- As the battery discharges, the concentration of sulfuric acid in the electrolyte decreases, and the plates become increasingly coated with lead sulfate.
-
Charge:
- When the battery is charged, the process is reversed.
- An external power source forces electrons back into the battery, converting the lead sulfate back into lead and sulfuric acid.
- The concentration of sulfuric acid in the electrolyte increases.
Key Components & Processes
| Component | Role |
|---|---|
| Lead Plates | Act as electrodes, facilitating the chemical reactions that generate electricity. The positive plate is lead dioxide, and the negative plate is sponge lead. |
| Sulfuric Acid | Acts as the electrolyte, enabling the flow of ions between the plates and participating in the chemical reactions. The concentration of the acid changes during charge and discharge. |
| Chemical Reaction | The core process that converts chemical energy into electrical energy (during discharge) and vice versa (during charge). The reaction involves the formation and breakdown of lead sulfate. |
| Electric Current | The flow of electrons generated by the chemical reactions. This current is what powers external devices connected to the battery. Acid bonding to the lead plates causes this reaction. (reference information) |
In essence, the flooded lead-acid battery operates through a reversible chemical reaction that converts chemical energy into electrical energy and back, utilizing the interaction between lead plates and sulfuric acid.
