
Why can I get more power out of a dying battery by taking it out then reinserting it?
Try 3 issues of BBC Science Focus Magazine for £5!
Scrooge McDuck spent an inordinate amount of time pacing around his mansion reinserting empty batteries into his appliances.
Asked by: Daniel McLaughlin, Pudsey
Advertisement
A battery uses a chemical reaction between two materials to produce electrical charge. What you're seeing are its last gasps as the energy from the electrochemical reaction peters out. When you disconnect the battery, a small amount of charge trickles to the terminals. It's enough for a momentary surge of voltage when you reinsert it. But, by now, the dying cell is too lacklustre to sustain the flow of charge.
Advertisement
Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.
Authors
Advertisement
Advertisement
Sponsored Deals

January sale subscription offer!
- Try 3 issues of BBC Science Focus Magazine for just £5
- Risk - free offer! Cancel at any time when you subscribe via Direct Debit.
- FREE UK delivery.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Advertisement