Which of the following battery chemistries is not rechargeable?

Which of the following battery chemistries is not rechargeable?

• A. Nickel-cadmium
• B. Carbon-zinc
• C. Lead-acid
• D. Lithium-ion

Answer: (B)

The choice of carbon-zinc batteries is accurate as they are not designed to be rechargeable. Carbon-zinc batteries are primary batteries, which means they are intended for single-use and are discarded after their energy is depleted. Once the chemical reactions within them are complete, they cannot be reversed or restored to a charged state, rendering them unsuitable for multiple cycles of use. In contrast, nickel-cadmium, lead-acid, and lithium-ion batteries are all rechargeable. These types of batteries have chemical compositions that allow for the reversible chemical reactions necessary for recharging. For example, nickel-cadmium batteries can be cycled through charging and discharging without significant loss of capacity, while lead-acid batteries are commonly utilized in automotive applications due to their ability to be recharged after use. Lithium-ion batteries, widely used in portable electronics and electric vehicles, also allow for multiple charge-discharge cycles, providing convenience and efficiency. Understanding the differences between primary and secondary (rechargeable) batteries is critical for selecting the appropriate type based on the intended application.

The choice of carbon-zinc batteries is accurate as they are not designed to be rechargeable. Carbon-zinc batteries are primary batteries, which means they are intended for single-use and are discarded after their energy is depleted. Once the chemical reactions within them are complete, they cannot be reversed or restored to a charged state, rendering them unsuitable for multiple cycles of use.

In contrast, nickel-cadmium, lead-acid, and lithium-ion batteries are all rechargeable. These types of batteries have chemical compositions that allow for the reversible chemical reactions necessary for recharging. For example, nickel-cadmium batteries can be cycled through charging and discharging without significant loss of capacity, while lead-acid batteries are commonly utilized in automotive applications due to their ability to be recharged after use. Lithium-ion batteries, widely used in portable electronics and electric vehicles, also allow for multiple charge-discharge cycles, providing convenience and efficiency.

Understanding the differences between primary and secondary (rechargeable) batteries is critical for selecting the appropriate type based on the intended application.