Most AA batteries have similar volume; the difference comes when one is either a carbon-zinc battery or a nickel-cadmium one. The carbon-zinc batteries come across as being light than the latter.
How much does an AA battery weigh? The weight of an AA battery is approximated in the range between 19 and 29 grams. The exact weight is however determined by the type of AA battery in question.
On the other hand, an alkaline battery that has the same volume capacity as the above carbon-zinc battery weighs more, and is approximated at 24 grams. The nickel-cadmium battery is the heaviest as it weighs 29 grams while a lithium-ion battery weighs 24 grams just like the zinc battery.
Facts About AA Batteries that You Should Know
AA batteries are the popular swappable cells in the market today. They have a wide range of uses, and are most commonly used for powering single cell devices and can be combined to produce more power as in the case of more demanding devices. They are user favourites since they are versatile and are easily available anywhere.
Different Types of AA Batteries
You might be going shopping for AA batteries, you will need to know the variety of AA batteries that you can choose from. The following illustration describes the types of AA batteries that you can choose from.
1. Rechargeable AA Batteries
These are common AA batteries and can be bought in any store in any part of the world. They are the best if you are looking for a battery that ensures convenience and also provides long-term cost-effectiveness. It is common for them to be retailed in pairs or even fours. They also come with a charger or even the charger might be sold separately.
These type of batteries have a wide range of usage, especially for devices that require more than two batteries to function well. You just have to get a pack in the appropriate configuration that is suitable for the device.
The major pro with these type of AA batteries is that they act like a single cell in terms of changing them in and out.
2. Lithium AA Batteries
It is important to distinguish between lithium and Li-ion cells. Lithium cells is not a rechargeable battery while the Li-ion cells are extensively rechargeable. Li-on batteries have usage in laptops, phones, drones, vaping devices and similar electronics.
Li-ion cells are composed of lithium and other reactive compounds. They have the capability of providing higher voltages as compared to an ordinary AA battery. they also tend to ignite when charged with AA type chargers.
Lithium AA batteries, unlike Li-ion batteries are non-ion batteries. As indicated above, they are not rechargeable. They are great if you want a power source that is high-rain and does so for a short while. Similarly, they can be used in low drain devices for a relatively long period of time.
They can be used for smoke alarms and similar devices. Their average shelf life is estimated at nine to ten years, far much than an ordinary AA battery can last. They are also not risky for your devices and gadgets as they are not likely to leak like most batteries do.
3. Alkaline AA Batteries
These are standard type of batteries and can be bought in almost any store in the world. They are popular for electronic devices that require low power to work. These include wall clocks, television remotes, toys, small torches and similar electronics.
It’s a user favourite due to the fact that it is widely available as it can be bought in any retail shop. It also comes across as a cost effective option for you to go for if you want a battery to use for a short term.
The major downside with this particular type of AA battery is they are not worth much if left lying around for a long time. Unlike the lithium AA battery, they are bound to start leaking as a result of slow self-discharging from the batteries.
However, if you realize that you have to regularly change your alkaline batteries for your device, you might have to switch to another option. Rechargeable will provide an excellent option as they will be much cheaper than what you have been using in the past.
There are rechargeable AA alkaline batteries that are better than most batteries out there since they have a longer shelf life. The only problem with this type is that they are unable to handle too much drain.
Can a AA Battery Explode?
When any battery is discharging, hydrogen gas is emitted which is the cause of explosion. For instance, when an AA alkaline is inserted into a circuit and starts to deliver power, there is a chemical reaction going on that leads to production of hydrogen.
Some quality brands are designed with vents to contain this. The production of hydrogen under pressure suggests that this is a sensitive scenario and anything might happen if a product malfunctions. One of them being an explosion that might happen if the hydrogen ignites.
Normally a AA battery is bound to rupture if it is violently placed in an improper direction. This is the case if it is exposed to high temperatures either in its area of operation or storage. Similarly, if it is mixed with cells of the wrong type or those with varying capacities or charge levels.
When you mistake and charge a cell that is not meant to be charged you might be provoking a cell explosion. This provokes a series of chemical reactions that will surely have an unpleasant result. The result may not always be an explosion but it will be surely be harmful to you or even if connected to a device or charger, they may get damaged.
