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Ralph Spencer
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https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=397828 < My own research in the past.
Have You Ever Experienced the 'Lighter' Feeling of Spent Batteries?
- Thread starter Mu naught
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- Batteries
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the perception of weight change in spent batteries compared to fresh ones. Participants explore whether this feeling of lightness is psychological or if there could be a measurable physical change in mass due to battery discharge. The conversation touches on various theories, potential measurements, and the chemistry involved in battery operation.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
- Mathematical reasoning
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that the perceived lightness of spent batteries may be a psychological effect rather than a physical one.
- Others argue that differences in manufacturer weight could explain the sensation, as cheaper batteries might weigh less than name-brand ones.
- A few participants propose that any mass change could be evaluated using the equation E=mc², although they express skepticism about the ability to measure such small differences.
- There are claims that the electrolyte in batteries could leak or evaporate, potentially contributing to a weight change, though this is debated.
- Some participants assert that electrons are not lost during discharge, and any mass change is negligible and not detectable by common scales.
- One participant humorously suggests a connection to phlogiston, while others clarify that this concept is outdated and not applicable to batteries.
- There are suggestions for experimental verification, including weighing batteries before and after use to determine any mass change.
- Theoretical discussions include the implications of energy loss and mass change during battery discharge, with references to quantum mechanics and hypothetical fields affecting mass.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on whether spent batteries actually lose mass or if the perceived lightness is purely psychological. Multiple competing views remain regarding the reasons behind the sensation of lighter batteries.
Contextual Notes
The discussion includes various assumptions about battery chemistry and physics, with some participants highlighting the limitations of common measurement techniques to detect small mass changes. The conversation also reflects differing interpretations of the effects of energy loss on mass.
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