ARRL Technician Practice Exam

Which of the following battery types is rechargeable?

1. Alkaline

2. Carbon-zinc

3. Lead-acid

4. All of these choices are correct

The correct answer is: All of these choices are correct

The correct answer is that lead-acid batteries are indeed rechargeable. Lead-acid batteries, commonly used in automobiles and for uninterruptible power supplies, have a chemical structure that allows for the conversion of electrical energy into chemical energy, which can be reversed. This means that when a lead-acid battery is discharged, it can be recharged by supplying electric current, restoring its chemical balance and allowing it to be used multiple times. In contrast, alkaline and carbon-zinc batteries are typically disposable and not designed for recharging. While some variations of alkaline batteries are marketed as rechargeable, traditional alkaline batteries lose capacity significantly after being recharged, which is not the case with lead-acid batteries that can endure numerous charge cycles with proper maintenance. In summary, lead-acid batteries are specifically known for their rechargeability, while alkaline and carbon-zinc batteries have limitations that usually preclude effective recharging for standard types. Thus, the distinction in functionality between these battery types highlights why the correct answer points to recharging capabilities primarily associated with lead-acid technology.