In a Ni-Cd battery, when the positive plates slowly give up oxygen which is regained by the negative plates, what is occurring?

Enhance your understanding of the fundamentals of electricity with the AMT General Exam. Study with multiple-choice questions crafted to improve your knowledge and confidence. Prepare effectively for your success!

Multiple Choice

In a Ni-Cd battery, when the positive plates slowly give up oxygen which is regained by the negative plates, what is occurring?

Explanation:
Charging is the process where the cell’s chemistry is driven in reverse of how it discharges. In a Ni-Cd cell the positive electrode toggles between Ni(OH)2 and NiOOH, while the negative electrode toggles between Cd and Cd(OH)2. When you charge, oxygen can be released at the positive plate as the Ni(OH)2 is oxidized toward NiOOH, and that oxygen is taken up or recombined by the negative plate to reform its hydroxide/oxide species. This transfer of oxygen from the positive to the negative electrode aligns with restoring the cell’s stored energy, not with releasing energy as during discharge. Overcharging makes this oxygen evolution more evident, but the described exchange is a charging behavior.

Charging is the process where the cell’s chemistry is driven in reverse of how it discharges. In a Ni-Cd cell the positive electrode toggles between Ni(OH)2 and NiOOH, while the negative electrode toggles between Cd and Cd(OH)2. When you charge, oxygen can be released at the positive plate as the Ni(OH)2 is oxidized toward NiOOH, and that oxygen is taken up or recombined by the negative plate to reform its hydroxide/oxide species. This transfer of oxygen from the positive to the negative electrode aligns with restoring the cell’s stored energy, not with releasing energy as during discharge. Overcharging makes this oxygen evolution more evident, but the described exchange is a charging behavior.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy