What is the voltage of a car battery?
2 Answers
Car batteries are generally 12 volts, with the actual no-load voltage typically measuring between 12.5 to 13 volts. A battery, also known as an accumulator, is a type of cell that works by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. The commonly referred to car battery is a lead-acid battery, which is primarily made of lead and its oxides, with sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte. A battery is a rechargeable cell that can be reused after discharging, including lead-acid batteries, nickel-iron batteries, and nickel-cadmium batteries. In a lead-acid battery, the positive electrode is lead dioxide, the negative electrode is lead, and the electrolyte is a dilute sulfuric acid solution. During discharge, the positive and negative electrodes react with sulfuric acid to form lead sulfate. When the concentration of the sulfuric acid solution drops to a certain level, the battery must be recharged. Using an external power source for charging can restore the electrodes and solution to their original state, allowing the battery to be used again after charging.
I'm a car enthusiast and love tinkering with cars. Car batteries are generally 12 volts, designed to start the engine and power various systems like lights and the radio. If the battery voltage drops too low, say around 10 volts, it becomes difficult to start the car. I remember one time I forgot to turn off the lights, and the voltage dropped to 11 volts, leaving the car unable to move. Now, I regularly use a multimeter to check the battery status, ensuring it stays above 12.5 volts for peace of mind. In winter, lower temperatures can shorten battery life, so it's essential to perform maintenance in advance to avoid problems on the road.
