Why do batteries eventually die?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Chemical reactions use up fuel
Chemical reactions use up fuel ✓ — Correct! Batteries store energy as chemical potential. Inside, two different metals react through an electrolyte, releasing electrons (electricity). Over time, these chemicals get used up and convert to different compounds that can't react anymore. When reactants are gone, no more electricity!
Metal contacts corrode away — Wrong. Corrosion can affect battery terminals and performance, but the main cause of death is depletion of internal chemical reactants.
Electricity leaks out slowly — Wrong. Electricity doesn't leak like water. Batteries die because the internal chemicals that produce electricity get used up through chemical reactions.