What electrolyte solution is used in a lead-acid battery?

What electrolyte solution is used in a lead-acid battery?

• A. A solution of water and boric acid
• B. Salt water
• C. A mixture of water and sulfuric acid
• D. Distilled water

Answer: (C)

The electrolyte in a lead-acid battery is a sulfuric acid solution in water. This acidic solution supplies the sulfate ions needed for the chemical reactions between the two plates and conducts ions to allow current to flow. The acid–water mixture also changes in concentration as the battery charges and discharges, which is why the electrolyte’s specific gravity is monitored. Other options don’t fit because: - A water-and-borate solution isn’t used in lead-acid batteries. - Salt water would cause corrosion and is not the designed electrolyte for this type of battery. - Pure distilled water wouldn’t provide the necessary ions to carry charge and would lead to poor conductivity and performance. So, the correct choice is the sulfuric acid in water solution.

The electrolyte in a lead-acid battery is a sulfuric acid solution in water. This acidic solution supplies the sulfate ions needed for the chemical reactions between the two plates and conducts ions to allow current to flow. The acid–water mixture also changes in concentration as the battery charges and discharges, which is why the electrolyte’s specific gravity is monitored.

Other options don’t fit because:

• A water-and-borate solution isn’t used in lead-acid batteries.

• Salt water would cause corrosion and is not the designed electrolyte for this type of battery.

• Pure distilled water wouldn’t provide the necessary ions to carry charge and would lead to poor conductivity and performance.

So, the correct choice is the sulfuric acid in water solution.