What is the Difference Between Lead Acid Battery and Alkaline Battery?

The main difference between lead-acid batteries and alkaline batteries is that lead-acid batteries are rechargeable, while most alkaline batteries are not. Here are some other key differences between the two types of batteries:

• Electrolyte: Alkaline batteries use potassium hydroxide as the electrolyte, while lead-acid batteries use concentrated sulfuric acid.
• Energy Storage: Lead-acid batteries store their chemical energy in the electrolyte, while in alkaline batteries, the energy is stored in the zinc plate.
• Size and Shape: Lead-acid batteries, also known as VRLA (valve-regulated lead-acid) batteries, vary in size and are mostly cuboid. They are commonly used for starting power reserves for large vehicles. Alkaline batteries are generally smaller and cylindrical in size, making them suitable for cameras, electric toys, remote controls, calculators, keyboards, shavers, and other small electronic devices.
• Voltage: Lead-acid batteries have a higher voltage than alkaline batteries, allowing them to power electric vehicles with more power.
• Energy Density: Lead-acid batteries have a higher energy density than other types of batteries, making them more powerful and efficient.
• Cost: Lead-acid batteries are relatively expensive compared to alkaline batteries.

Each type of battery has its corresponding application range, and choosing the most suitable battery depends on the specific requirements of the device or system it will be used in.

Comparative Table: Lead Acid Battery vs Alkaline Battery

Here is a table comparing the differences between lead-acid batteries and alkaline batteries:

Lead-acid batteries are characterized by their higher voltage and are commonly used in automotive, marine, and industrial applications. On the other hand, alkaline batteries are lighter and less caustic, making them ideal for consumer electronics.