Question T6A11
From subelement T6 - T6A
Which of the following battery chemistries is not rechargeable?
Why is this correct?
Carbon-zinc is correct because it's a primary (non-rechargeable) battery chemistry that cannot be safely recharged. The other options are all secondary (rechargeable) battery types: nickel-cadmium, lead-acid, and lithium-ion can all be recharged multiple times. Carbon-zinc batteries are disposable dry cells commonly found in older flashlights and low-power devices.
Memory tip
Remember the distinction: primary batteries are single-use, secondary batteries are rechargeable. When you see 'carbon-zinc' or 'alkaline' on an exam, think disposable. Most modern battery chemistries with hyphenated names (nickel-cadmium, lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride) are rechargeable technologies.
Learn more
Carbon-zinc batteries represent the earliest dry cell technology, designed for low-drain applications like clocks and flashlights. Unlike modern rechargeable chemistries, attempting to recharge carbon-zinc batteries can cause leakage or rupture due to gas buildup. In amateur radio applications, rechargeable batteries like lead-acid for base stations and lithium-ion for handhelds provide better performance and economics for equipment that draws significant current during transmission.
Think about it
Why do you think carbon-zinc batteries were never designed to be rechargeable, while newer chemistries like lithium-ion were engineered from the start to handle multiple charge cycles?