Dec 06, 2019 Pageview:894
Batteries have become one of the significant components in modern households. It is not only because they can save power, but because they are better at conserving the environment. The whole world, therefore, seems to be shifting towards the use of batteries.
The invention of electronic devices, and recently, the electric vehicle has seen a significant increase in the manufacture and production of batteries. And as one can expect, it has also led to the emergence of different chemistries and brands. For this reason, one must be aware of the developments in the industry if they wish to buy a product that will serve them well.
Lithium and alkaline batteries are the two significant chemistries in the world today. They are both great, but they vary significantly in terms of size, shape, power, and usage. Both batteries are used to power electronic devices according to the instructions of the manufactures.
But one can never stop wondering why there are so many differences. The question of choice comes in majorly in terms of use. We are going to expound on the differences between these two entities.
Are lithium and alkaline batteries different?
Yes. They are very different both in terms of chemical composition and the voltage ranges. And as the batteries cross into sizes AA and AAA, the differences become even more apparent. The alkaline types are the most popular battery type because lithium technology has not been around for such a long time. However, you may have noticed that as the number of electronic devices increases, so does the number of lithium batteries.
Other features discern lithium from alkaline batteries. Consider the following:
Function
Where does battery power come from? The source of energy between alkaline and technologies are very different.
Alkaline batteries contain zinc and manganese oxide, which are used to generate power. The combination reacts to produce electric energy. Lithium batteries, on the other hand, use lithium metal or compounds as anodes. They contain a liquid or solid cathode through with ions can flow.
Types
For many years, Lithium batteries have been known in terms of small, coin-shaped cells. These batteries power small electronic devices like calculators and low remote controls.
Today, lithium batteries have advanced more in terms of size and chemistry. There have been constant efforts to improve them to hold more power and run for longer hours. Some people confuse them with variations like Lithium-Ion and Lithium Polymer batteries.
Alkaline batteries are mostly round. They are known as either AA or AAA batteries. The closest resemblance of lithium batteries for this is the 18650 batteries and the round batteries. Recently, lithium batteries have expanded into AA and AAA, as well as a way to compete with alkaline.
Effects and service
One of the significant differences between the batteries is power. Lithium batteries are considered more powerful, and they are. They produce double the voltage produced by alkaline batteries, with some going beyond.
Besides this, lithium batteries last longer, giving users better service than alkaline batteries. As a result, the AA and AAA versions of lithium batteries are expensive than alkaline.
Operating temperature
Batteries are not very tolerant of high or shallow temperatures. Different chemistries react differently to these factors.
Lithium batteries can perform even in the most extreme condition. This factor makes them perfect for outdoor devices. They can play both in cold and hot temperatures where alkaline batteries cannot work. For this reason, they are perfect for any device that can be used in extreme environments.
Weight
Battery weight is significant for portable devices. If you buy a massive battery for your wristwatch, for instance, the same weight will translate to your arm.
Lithium batteries have this characteristic. They are lightweight, yet carry so more power than their lithium counterparts. They are, therefore, an excellent convenience for portable devices.
Can you use alkaline batteries instead of lithium batteries?
As stated above, lithium batteries have developed and joined the same cycle of the original alkaline batteries. There are sizes AA and AAA for lithium batteries that can easily fit in the same devices as alkaline batteries.
The use of batteries depends on the device. In a nutshell, you can use any cells in any device, as long as they have matching specifications. One of the most important things to consider is the size and shape of the battery area of the invention. You cannot, for instance, use an AAA battery in a wristwatch that requires a coin battery.
Also, consider the voltage of the battery concerning the needs of the device. Some batteries might be too powerful for some devices. And some devices require more energy. You, therefore, need to establish what your appliances use.
In conclusion, you can use lithium batteries and alkaline batteries in any device you want. For instance, a camera that accepts AA alkaline batteries can easily use AA lithium batteries.
How do you choose good alkaline and lithium batteries?
Choosing the right type of battery for a specific use is very important. This can help you save some money and probably let your device work better. Here are some ideas to help you decide.
· Know the size of the battery you need
Consider getting cells that have the right size of your device. Check the cells that are currently in your device. If there are no batteries in your device, consider the instructions manual for the device.
· Buy the right type of cells from a trusted vendor
The battery industry is quite huge. You should, therefore, expect to find many fakes on the market. If you are not careful, you will buy batteries that will only work for a few hours, and your device goes off.
Besides this, standard batteries, including AA, AAA, and D, have two terminals; positive and negative. These parts are set at the ends, while others are on the same size. Be sure to get batteries that have terminals in the right position with your battery.
Final thought
When choosing between alkaline and lithium batteries, be sure to understand the specifications of the device you are using. As much as these batteries are conventional, you cannot find everything you need in one place. We hope this article has shed some light on your options.
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