Lead Accumulator or Lead-Acid Battery

Overview

The lead accumulator, commonly known as a lead-acid battery, is a rechargeable battery widely used in applications such as automotive starting systems. It consists of two electrodes: the anode made of spongy lead and the cathode composed of lead oxide (PbO). The electrolyte is a 30% sulfuric acid solution. When the battery discharges, lead atoms at the anode oxidize to lead ions, which combine with sulfate ions from the electrolyte to form lead sulfate (PbSO4) deposits. The battery generates approximately 2 volts per cell, and multiple cells can be connected in series to achieve higher voltages, such as the typical 12 volts in car batteries. Recharging reverses the chemical reactions, restoring the electrodes and electrolyte to their original states

Questions and Answers

  1. What is a lead accumulator commonly known as?

    A lead accumulator is commonly known as a lead-acid battery

  2. What happens to lead atoms at the anode during the discharging process?

    At the anode, lead atoms release two electrons and are oxidized to lead ions (Pb²⁺), which combine with sulfate ions to form lead sulfate (PbSO₄) deposits

  3. What is the effect of discharging on the concentration of the electrolyte?

    During discharging, the concentration of the sulfuric acid electrolyte decreases, reducing its density from 1.25 g/cm³ to 1.15 g/cm³

  4. What occurs during the recharging of a lead-acid battery?

    During recharging, the redox reactions at the electrodes are reversed, restoring the electrodes and electrolyte to their original states

  5. What is the role of the electrolyte in a lead-acid battery?

    The electrolyte facilitates the movement of ions and participates in the redox reactions during the charging and discharging processes

Multiple-Choice Questions

  1. What type of battery is a lead-acid battery classified as?

    a) Primary cell
    b) Secondary cell
    c) Fuel cell
    d) Dry cell
    Answer: b) Secondary cell

  2. What is the main component of the anode in a lead-acid battery?

    a) Lead oxide
    b) Spongy lead
    c) Copper
    d) Zinc
    Answer: b) Spongy lead

  3. What is the electrolyte used in a lead-acid battery?

    a) Potassium hydroxide
    b) Sodium chloride
    c) 30% sulfuric acid solution
    d) Distilled water
    Answer: c) 30% sulfuric acid solution

  4. How much voltage does a single cell of a lead-acid battery produce?

    a) 1 volt
    b) 2 volts
    c) 6 volts
    d) 12 volts
    Answer: b) 2 volts

  5. How many cells are typically connected in series to form a standard 12-volt car battery?

    a) 4 cells
    b) 5 cells
    c) 6 cells
    d) 8 cells
    Answer: c) 6 cells