FCC Question Pool Review

Technician Class (Element 2) • 2022-2026

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Question T6A10

From subelement T6 - T6A

T6A10
Answer: D

Which of the following battery chemistries is rechargeable?

ANickel-metal hydride
BLithium-ion
CLead-acid
DAll these choices are correct

Why is this correct?

All three battery chemistries listed are rechargeable. Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are commonly found in AA/AAA rechargeable batteries and older handheld radios. Lithium-ion batteries power most modern handheld radios due to their high energy density. Lead-acid batteries are the workhorses found in cars and backup power systems, capable of delivering high currents. The key distinction is that carbon-zinc and alkaline batteries are non-rechargeable, while these three can be recharged hundreds of times.

Memory tip

When you see 'All these choices are correct' as an option, systematically verify each choice rather than looking for the 'most correct' answer. This pattern appears frequently in amateur radio exams when multiple valid examples exist within a category.

Learn more

Modern amateur radio stations typically use all three rechargeable chemistries strategically: lead-acid for high-current base station power supplies and emergency backup, lithium-ion for portable handheld transceivers due to weight advantages, and nickel-metal hydride for accessories like headlamps or older equipment. Each chemistry offers different voltage characteristics, charge cycles, and current delivery capabilities that match specific amateur radio applications and frequency privileges across different bands.

Think about it

Why do you think amateur radio operators prefer rechargeable batteries over disposables for emergency communications, and what practical advantages does each chemistry offer for different operating scenarios?