 |
| © www.freepik.com |
These days, when a smartphone runs out of charge, we desperately search for a charger. But not very long ago, electricity was not available everywhere in Bangladesh. Back then, technology mainly depended on batteries. Radios and flashlights ran on battery power. When a battery ran out, there was no way to recharge it like today. The only option was to buy a new battery from a store. That is why people tried many tricks to make batteries last longer.
As electricity gradually spread across the country, our lives changed completely. Now, with the press of a switch, lights turn on and fans start spinning. However, in modern life, the importance of batteries has not decreased, it has actually increased. Just like before, people still try various methods to make the batteries in wall clocks or TV remotes last longer. Yet, even though we use batteries daily, many of us still do not clearly understand how they actually work.
Because of this lack of knowledge, many myths about batteries exist. For example, some people believe that storing batteries in the refrigerator makes them last longer and slows down charge loss. But is this really true, or just a popular misconception?
Before answering that question, it is important to understand how batteries work. To keep things simple, we will not discuss complex batteries like those in smartphones or laptops. Instead, we will focus on the common AA and AAA batteries used in everyday household devices.
In simple terms, a battery is a device that converts stored chemical energy into electrical energy. It has three main components: a negative terminal called the anode, a positive terminal called the cathode, and a special substance between them known as the electrolyte.
When a battery is connected to a device like a remote or flashlight, a chemical reaction begins inside it. This reaction produces electrons. As the electrons flow through a wire from one terminal to the other, electricity is generated. This is how a small battery keeps our devices running.
However, even when a battery is not connected to a device, it can still lose electrons over time. This process is known as self-discharge. As a result, a battery slowly loses power even when it is not in use.
Now let’s get to the main topic. One common belief is that placing used batteries in the refrigerator for some time can restore or extend their power. The reasoning behind this idea is that cold temperatures slow down chemical reactions inside the battery, possibly reducing self-discharge.
But scientific research has found no strong evidence to support this claim. In fact, major battery manufacturers do not recommend storing batteries in the refrigerator. Duracell clearly states on its website that refrigeration does not increase a battery’s lifespan or storage life. Instead, the best way to store batteries is in a dry place at normal room temperature.
Storing batteries in the refrigerator can cause more harm than good. One major issue is condensation, or moisture buildup. Another major manufacturer, Energizer, warns that the humid environment inside refrigerators can damage batteries. When batteries are taken out of the fridge, moisture can form on their surface, leading to corrosion. In some cases, this may even cause the battery seal to break and leak chemicals.
This does not mean temperature plays no role at all. If batteries are stored in very hot places, such as near a stove or inside a closed room exposed to sunlight, their lifespan will shorten. Higher temperatures speed up chemical reactions inside the battery, causing it to lose stored energy more quickly, even when not in use. In simple terms, excessive heat prevents batteries from retaining their internal power, eventually causing them to fail.
All battery manufacturers agree on one thing: the best way to store batteries is in a dry place at normal room temperature. The ideal temperature range is about 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.
The most commonly used alkaline batteries lose only about 3 percent of their charge per year when stored at normal temperatures, which is very minimal. Lithium batteries lose even less charge. Therefore, instead of keeping batteries in the refrigerator, storing them in a dry drawer at home is the smartest choice.
Report: bigganchinta.com , Source: USA Today, Popular Science, Snopes, Life Hacks
