Batteries have a finite life depending on the kind of battery used. An example of an everyday battery is the Alkaline batteries. This kind of battery has a steel tube container that houses all the cell’s ingredients. An example is the Energizer battery that comes in different shapes and sizes depending on the power stored inside. What can be seen inside a regular battery are Cathode, a separator, Anode, Electrodes, Electrolyte, and a collector.

When it comes to battery life, there are many factors that may affect the finite time of the battery. The main factor of battery life is the reaction of chemicals contained in the battery. In a battery, there are many chemicals present in it. Some examples are manganese dioxide, carbon, zinc, and potassium hydroxide. When using a battery, the battery life depends on how the chemicals react with each other. Based on a research of Dr, Anne Marie Helemnstine, a higher concentration of reactants lead to a more effective battery. Although the concentration of reactants is the main factor, there are other factors that affect the battery life like temperature, medium, and presence of catalysts and competitors.

For cellular phones, a different kind of battery is used. The most common battery for cellular phones is the Li-polymer Battery. This kind of battery was developed during the 1970’s. Based on the website of Battery University, the Li-Polymer battery uses a sold polymer that allows the exchange of ions.

For the Li-Polymer battery, temperature is the factor that affects its battery life. Battery University statea that “Like Humans, batteries function best at room temperature, and any deviation towards hot and cold changes the performance and/or longevity.”

The Li-Polymer battery used heat to promote ion flow. This battery requires a core temperature of 60°C– 100°C to become conductive. When in a cold temperature, the internal resistance increases and diminishes the capacity of the battery. “Batteries that would provide 100% capacity at 27°C will deliver only 50% at 18°C.” Based on this statement, we can say that the battery capacity decrease is linear with temperature. In conclusion, Li-Polymer batteries perform better at higher temperatures than at low ones. Heat lowers the internal resistance but stresses the battery.

Sources:

http://www.discover-energy.com/sites/default/files/shared/Temperature_Effects.pdf

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/discharging_at_high_and_low_temperatures

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/the_li_polymer_battery_substance_or_hype

http://www.mpoweruk.com/life.htm

http://www.education.com/science-fair/article/effect-temperature-battery-life/

http://chemistry.about.com/od/stoichiometry/a/reactionrate.htm

http://www.energizer.com/learning-center/Pages/how-batteries-work.aspx

http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project1320_29.html

http://72.10.52.249/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29&Itemid=1

http://www.indpwrbattery.com/Pages/temperature.aspx