Lead acid battery
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A lead acid battery is a secondary cell, meaning that it is rechargeable. It is very common in cars and trucks. It contains plates of lead and lead(IV) oxide in a sulfuric acid solution. The lead(IV) oxide oxidizes the lead plate, making an electrical current. They are the cheapest rechargeable batteries and can produce much power. They contain toxic lead, though, and should be recycled. Sealed lead acid batteries are batteries where the sulfuric acid is in a gel, preventing it from spilling out when the battery is turned up side down.
Reactions:
- lead(IV) oxide + sulfuric acid + extra hydrogen ions → lead(II) sulfate + water at cathode
- lead + extra sulfate ions → lead(II) sulfate at anode
These reactions are reversed when the battery is charged.
