If you have a car, you’re probably familiar with auto batteries. These heavy parts are essential to the functioning of the parts of your car that require electricity to function, which is nearly all of it.
Not many car owners are quite sure how these batteries work, exactly. However, all it really takes is a bit of chemistry and proper configuration.
Power Chemistry
Auto batteries are actually composed of six cells, each providing about two volts for a total of 12 volts per battery. Each cell, in turn, consists of one positive plate and one negative plate, both of which are immersed in sulfuric acid. The negative plate, which is made of lead, has excess electrons that it wants to give up, while the positive plate, which is made of lead dioxide, is hungry to accept electrons. However, there is an insulator between them so electron transfer does not happen spontaneously. Electricity is generated when electrons, the negatively charged subatomic particles, move through your car’s machinery until they go back to the positive plate.
The Physical Battery
If you take a look inside auto batteries, you will see the six layers of these lead and lead dioxide plates in between insulators or separators that keep the plates from exchanging electrons directly.
Each cell is then connected to each other by connectors, and then to the outside by terminal posts. The positive terminal post is usually red and marked with a plus sign. The negative one is usually black and marked with a minus sign. If you’re familiar with changing your car battery, you know that you should always disconnect the negative terminal before the positive one to avoid a short circuit.
All these inner parts are encased in the thick, protective plastic casement with the terminals sticking out.
Hazards
When handled, installed and disposed properly, auto batteries are generally safe. However, because they contain volatile and corrosive chemicals, it’s still best to take proper precautions.
When handling batteries, make sure to wear proper protection and do so in a well-ventilated area. Make sure, also, to read the instructions carefully before handling. Most importantly, do not smoke when dealing with batteries as this can cause an explosion.
Because of the complex chemistry involved, you want to make sure you purchase batteries that have high quality components. This ensures that your battery lasts longer. In addition, quality batteries are also safer and less prone to leakage. For your convenience, you probably want to look into a battery company that offers the complete range of diagnostic, customization, installment and troubleshooting as well. For more information visit at website domain. You can also follow them on Twitter for more updates.
