How Does an Auto Battery Function?

by | Apr 17, 2018 | Electronics and Electrical

Top Stories

Categories

Archives

Similar to many items in your home, like remotes and cell phones, your car has to have a battery in order to function. If it dies, the vehicle will no longer start. You probably know that an auto battery is essential but understanding how it does its job is less common. We’ll break it down, so you have this knowledge, leaving you better served the next time you have a battery issue.

The Definition of a Battery

It’s important to understand the basics of a battery before looking at how it does its job. To provide a simple definition, a battery is a device that takes chemical energy and turns that into electrical power. Batteries are typically composed of cells, which are where the energy is stored. This energy is then transformed into electricity to power your automobile, just like your television remote.

How a Battery Works

In many batteries, a lead-acid chemical reaction happens that starts the magic. This kind of battery can also be called SLI, which means starting, lighting, and ignition. After the battery turns on the engine, further power is provided by your alternator. We’ll look at how this battery works below:

  1. In a traditional SLI battery, there are a total of six cells. Each of them has two grids or places which are made of lead and lead dioxide. Every cell can produce around two volts of electrical power. That leads to most of them being a 12-cell battery.
  1. The plates in the battery are submerged in a substance called sulfuric acid. This is what causes a reaction between the places. The acid acts as a catalyst in scientific terms.
  1. Next, the acid starts a reaction in the plate of lead dioxide. This makes the plate produce both lead sulfate and ions.
  1. The ions from the batter will then have a reaction to the other place. This leads to the production of lead sulfate and hydrogen.
  1. The result of the last step produces electrons. These move around the plates to create electricity. At this point, the electricity moves from the battery terminals to turn on the engine, flip on your headlights, and play your favorite radio station.

Premium Automobile Battery Choices

If you are looking to purchase a high-quality battery for your favorite vehicle, Business Name is a great destination to find it. We provide various batteries from brand names you trust. To learn more, you can reach us at website domain. You can also connect them on Facebook for more updates.