Calculating Voltage in a Battery: Answers to Your Questions

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of voltage in a battery and how it is affected by chemical reactions and the type of materials used. The voltage does not depend on the distance between the battery plates, but rather the energy given to the charges. It is also noted that the voltage can vary depending on the type of battery and its components.
  • #1
Amyriel
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0
Hi :)
It might seems a stupid question but I can't find any answer for it ^^

I have a question: how voltage is calculated in a battery?

Let's say you create a battery with - 1 C of charge of electrons on the and the other side + 1 C of charge, could you tell me what is the voltage of this battery? According to Coulombs law the force F needed is (kQ1Q2)/distance² If we keep this track the potential energy W = F X distance which will give us kQ1Q2/distance, so voltage is still distance dependent, right? Is it calculated from a mean distance between the two terminals (like the middle of each cell?)

Thanks for your help!
 
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  • #2
Amyriel said:
I have a question: how voltage is calculated in a battery?
That is an effect of the potential of the metals and chemicals used. Take a piece of steel and a piece of aluminum, connect wires to them and lower them into the sea (not the freshwater kind) a couple of centimeters apart. You have now created a battery, it is able to drive a current through an amperemeter.
 
  • #3
Thats not how a battery works. Batteries don't separate charges like a capacitor does. They use chemical reactions to create a voltage. Each electrochemical cell's voltage depends entirely on what its made of. There are charts and tables all over the net that can tell you the voltage for a particular type of cell.
 
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  • #4
Don't feel stupid...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battery_(electricity [Broken])

Volta did not appreciate that the voltage was due to chemical reactions. He thought that his cells were an inexhaustible source of energy,[6] and that the associated corrosion effects at the electrodes were a mere nuisance, rather than an unavoidable consequence of their operation, as Michael Faraday showed in 1834

The voltage developed across a cell's terminals depends on the energy release of the chemical reactions of its electrodes and electrolyte. Alkaline and zinc–carbon cells have different chemistries, but approximately the same emf of 1.5 volts; likewise NiCd and NiMH cells have different chemistries, but approximately the same emf of 1.2 volts.[17] The high electrochemical potential changes in the reactions of lithium compounds give lithium cells emfs of 3 volts or more.[/quote]
 
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  • #5
Thank you so much! I know now where I need to look at :)
 
  • #6
Amyriel said:
so voltage is still distance dependent, right?
Not right, as a general principle. Voltage is PotentiaL Difference, which does not depend on distance apart of battery plates or length of wire. It depends upon the Energy that's been given to Charges (Volts = Joules per Coulomb).
It is true that, for a particular Field (=Volts per Metre) then the PD across two points in that field will be dependent on their separation. But that is not relevant to batteries - unless increasing distance involves inserting more battery cells in series.
 

1. How is voltage calculated in a battery?

Voltage in a battery is calculated by dividing the amount of energy stored in the battery by the amount of charge it can provide. This is represented by the equation V = E/Q, where V is voltage, E is energy, and Q is charge.

2. What is the unit of measurement for voltage in a battery?

The unit of measurement for voltage in a battery is volts (V). This is a unit of electrical potential energy, representing the amount of potential energy per unit charge.

3. Can the voltage of a battery change over time?

Yes, the voltage of a battery can change over time. As the battery is used, the chemical reactions that produce electricity may slow down, causing a decrease in voltage. Additionally, factors such as temperature and storage conditions can also affect the voltage of a battery.

4. How do different types of batteries affect the voltage calculation?

Different types of batteries can have different voltage calculations due to variations in their chemical compositions and designs. For example, a lithium-ion battery typically has a higher voltage than a lead-acid battery. It is important to refer to the specifications of the specific battery being used to accurately calculate its voltage.

5. How does the voltage of a battery impact its performance?

The voltage of a battery directly affects its performance. A higher voltage means the battery can provide more energy and power to a device, while a lower voltage may result in decreased performance. It is important to use the correct voltage battery for a specific device to ensure optimal performance.

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