A lead acid battery consists of a negative electrode made of spongy or porous lead. The lead is porous to facilitate the formation and dissolution of lead. The positive electrode consists of lead oxide. Both electrodes are immersed in a electrolytic solution of sulfuric acid and water.
Voltage of lead acid battery upon charging. The charging reaction converts the lead sulfate at the negative electrode to lead. At the positive terminal the reaction converts the lead to lead oxide. As a by-product of this reaction, hydrogen is evolved.
The working principle of a lead-acid battery is based on the chemical reaction between lead and sulfuric acid. During the discharge process, the lead and lead oxide plates in the battery react with the sulfuric acid electrolyte to produce lead sulfate and water. The chemical reaction can be represented as follows:
It is important to note that the electrolyte in a lead-acid battery is sulfuric acid (H2SO4), which is a highly corrosive and dangerous substance. It is important to handle lead-acid batteries with care and to dispose of them properly. In addition, lead-acid batteries are not very efficient and have a limited lifespan.
It is usually made of lead or copper. When a lead-acid battery is charged, a chemical reaction occurs that converts lead oxide and lead into lead sulfate and water. This reaction occurs at the positive electrode, which is made of lead dioxide. At the same time, hydrogen gas is produced at the negative electrode, which is made of lead.
The discharge process can be described as follows: The sulfuric acid in the electrolyte combines with the lead dioxide on the positive plate to form lead sulfate and water. At the same time, the sulfuric acid in the electrolyte combines with the lead on the negative plate to form lead sulfate and hydrogen.