A storage battery should be charged until (a) the voltage...

A storage battery should be charged until (a) the voltage reaches 6 volts (b) the cells begin to gas (c) the specific gravity reaches 1,300 (d) the temperature reaches $110^{\circ} \mathrm{F}$ (e) the specific gravity reading stops rising.

Key Concepts

Specific Gravity Measurement

In storage batteries, the specific gravity of the electrolyte (often sulfuric acid solution) is a critical indicator of the battery’s state of charge. As the battery is charged, the concentration of the electrolyte increases, which is reflected in the specific gravity readings. When the reading stops rising, it indicates that the battery has reached its full charge, making this measurement a reliable criterion for determining when to terminate charging.

Voltage Monitoring

Monitoring the voltage of a battery during charging provides insight into its state of charge. The terminal voltage increases as the battery charges, but voltage alone may not offer a complete picture due to variations caused by factors like temperature and battery condition. It is best used in conjunction with other measurements to accurately determine the battery’s charge status.

Gassing

Gassing refers to the evolution of gases from the electrolyte during charging, which occurs when the battery is nearing full charge or is being overcharged. While the onset of gassing can indicate that the battery is almost completely charged, relying on gas evolution as the sole indicator is not advisable because it can also signal overcharging conditions that may harm the battery.

Temperature Monitoring

During the charging process, the temperature of the battery can rise due to internal resistance and chemical reactions. Monitoring temperature is important as excessive heat can indicate overcharging or other issues that can damage the battery. However, temperature alone is not an ideal measure for ending the charging process but rather a supplementary safety parameter to prevent battery degradation.

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