Prepare for the Automotive Service Technician Period 1 exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Lead-acid battery electrolyte is composed of water and sulfuric acid. Which option correctly states this composition?

Lead-acid battery electrolyte must conduct ions between the plates, which is achieved by dissolving sulfuric acid in water. The water acts as the solvent, while the dissolved sulfuric acid provides the ions (hydrogen and sulfate ions) needed for the chemical reactions and current flow. A pure distilled water electrolyte wouldn’t carry enough charge, and a pure concentrated sulfuric acid would be too corrosive and impractical for the cell. Nitric acid isn’t used in this type of battery. Thus, the electrolyte is a mixture of water and sulfuric acid.

Lead-acid battery electrolyte must conduct ions between the plates, which is achieved by dissolving sulfuric acid in water. The water acts as the solvent, while the dissolved sulfuric acid provides the ions (hydrogen and sulfate ions) needed for the chemical reactions and current flow. A pure distilled water electrolyte wouldn’t carry enough charge, and a pure concentrated sulfuric acid would be too corrosive and impractical for the cell. Nitric acid isn’t used in this type of battery. Thus, the electrolyte is a mixture of water and sulfuric acid.