ELI5. Why do most devices requiring AA or AAA batteries need at least two. Why not create a standard battery that is the equivalent of two or have common circuitry that only relies on one battery of a similar low profile?

Question

ELI5. Why do most devices requiring AA or AAA batteries need at least two. Why not create a standard battery that is the equivalent of two or have common circuitry that only relies on one battery of a similar low profile?

In: Engineering

Answer 1

Some penlights only need 1 battery, other devices need 2,3,4 or more. You could create one battery that’s equivalent to 2, another that’s equivalent to 3, and so on, but it’s more flexible to have one standardized battery that works in all configurations.