Components:
* Lead Plates: The heart of the battery, these plates are made of lead and lead oxide. The positive plates are coated with lead dioxide (PbO2) and the negative plates with spongy lead (Pb).
* Electrolyte: A solution of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and water. The acid is the conductor of electricity and allows for chemical reactions within the battery.
* Separator: A porous material, usually made of glass mat or microporous rubber, which physically separates the positive and negative plates. This prevents the plates from touching and short-circuiting.
* Case and Cover: These are usually made of hard plastic and hold the internal components together. They also provide a sealed container for the electrolyte.
* Terminal Posts: These are the points of connection for the battery's positive and negative terminals. They are made of lead and are usually covered with a protective coating.
Chemical Reactions:
The chemical reaction within the battery involves the conversion of lead and lead oxide to lead sulfate (PbSO4) during discharge. This process releases energy, generating electrical current. During charging, the process is reversed, converting lead sulfate back to lead and lead oxide.
Environmental Considerations:
Lead-acid batteries contain lead, a toxic metal, and sulfuric acid, a corrosive substance. Proper disposal is essential to prevent environmental contamination. Recycling is the preferred method for disposing of used car batteries.
Other Types of Batteries:
While lead-acid batteries are the most common type used in automobiles, other battery technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries, are gaining traction for their higher energy density and longer lifespan.
