Rechargeable Vs Disposable Batteries

Generally speaking, batteries can be broken down into two major types, disposable and rechargeable. They both have their fundamental differences and are used commonly for a number of purposes.

Disposable Batteries. Disposable batteries are known as primary cell batteries. Once a disposable battery is used and the charge has been drained, it is to be discarded. Because of the chemical makeup of disposable batteries, they cannot be easily recharged. Types of disposable batteries include alkaline, lithium, mercury, thermal, and water-activated. Primary cells are used for a variety of functions where electric power is not continuously available, and most that are used today have a long life.

Rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable batteries are referred to as secondary cells. After a battery is drained, a specific device known as a charger, is attached to the battery and supplies an electric current that reverses the chemical reactions used to power a battery. There are many kinds of rechargeable batteries that are used in many applications. The oldest and still commonly used type of rechargeable battery is the wet lead-acid battery. It contains electrolyte and can produce high outputs for short periods of time. The wet lead-acid is known as "spillable" and has been advanced with developments including the gel battery, which contains semi-sold electrolyte to eliminate spilling, and the Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery battery which suspends electrolyte in fiberglass matting. These types of batteries are commonly used for auto, marine, and truck purposes.

Lithium Ion. Lithium Ion is another type of rechargeable battery that is relatively new; however, it is used widely for electronic devices. Lithium Ion batteries, or Li-Ion, are capable of storing lots of energy while maintaining small size and light weight construction. They also do not suffer the memory effect common in other types of batteries where batteries are unable to maintain a high enough charge. Lithium Ion batteries are used in portable electronic devices that require lots of energy including cellular phones, digital cameras, and PDA's.



Angela Oliver is an author for Battery Web, retailer and wholesaler of all battery types including disposable, rechargeable, and lithium ion batteries. Please visit the site for a full selection of the best batteries.