======12V Car Battery Dissection======


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**Alternative titles:** Lead-Acid Car Battery Structure
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Observe the structure of a lead-acid car battery, which contains six cells producing about 2.1 volts each, for a total of ~12 volts.  
  - Identify the positive and negative plates made of lead compounds.  
  - Note the sulfuric acid and water electrolyte that reacts with the plates to generate electricity.  
  - Locate separators, which prevent direct contact between plates while allowing ionic flow.  
  - Trace how the connectors, grids, and terminals direct the flow of electricity to the vehicle’s starter and accessories.  
  - Understand that when the car is running, the alternator recharges the battery by reversing the chemical reaction.



====Links==== 
Hacking Open A Car Battery (for Lead and Acid) - TKOR: 
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📄 Anatomy of Car Battery - auto batteries: [[https://www.autobatteries.com/how-batteries-work/anatomy-of-car]]\\


====Variations====
None



====Safety Precautions====
  * Always wear safety glasses and gloves when handling car batteries.  
  * Sulfuric acid is highly corrosive; avoid spills and neutralize with baking soda if they occur.  
  * Batteries can release hydrogen gas—keep away from sparks or flames.  
  * Lift carefully; car batteries are heavy and can cause injury.  
  * Dispose of or recycle batteries through proper hazardous waste or recycling programs.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why does a 12-volt car battery contain six separate cells? (Each cell produces ~2.1 volts, and six in series provide ~12.6 volts.)  
  * What chemical reaction allows the battery to generate electricity? (The lead plates react with sulfuric acid to produce lead sulfate, water, and electrons.)  
  * Why does heat shorten battery life? (High temperatures accelerate chemical breakdown and corrosion of the plates.)  
  * How does the alternator keep the battery charged? (It supplies an electrical current that reverses the discharge reaction, converting lead sulfate back into lead dioxide and lead.)