If the battery fails on a mobile phone, why is it unusable even when it’s plugged in to the wall?
There are many older electrical gadgets that can work with either batteries or being plugged in. Take an old fashioned alarm clock or stereo. If there’s no batteries in it, and you plug it into the wall it will work. If you unplug it, it won’t work unless there are good batteries in it that are charged. So why can’t a mobile phone work when plugged into the wall when the battery has failed?
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The behavior you described arises from the design and functionality of different types of electronic devices, including mobile phones, and how they manage power sources and circuitry.
In the case of older devices like alarm clocks or stereos, they often have a simpler design with distinct power sources for battery operation and wall power. When plugged into the wall, these devices draw power directly from the electrical outlet to operate their circuits, display, and other functions. Batteries serve as a backup power source or for portable use when not plugged in.
On the other hand, modern smartphones are more complex and versatile devices. When you plug a mobile phone into the wall, it charges the internal battery and simultaneously uses power from the battery to operate. This design allows the phone to be used while charging, providing a seamless experience whether the battery is charging or not.
However, if the battery in a mobile phone has completely failed or is unable to hold a charge, the phone might not have enough power to even initiate its startup processes, which are essential for the device to function. In some cases, the battery is a critical component that’s required for the phone’s proper operation. Without a functioning battery, the phone might not be able to manage and distribute power effectively to its various components, and therefore, it won’t function even when plugged into the wall.
Additionally, some mobile phones have circuitry and safety measures in place that prevent them from operating without a functional battery to avoid potential issues or damage.
In essence, the difference in behavior between older devices and modern smartphones when it comes to using wall power without a battery stems from the more complex design and integrated power management systems of smartphones. While some older devices can operate directly from wall power, smartphones often rely on the battery to manage power distribution and ensure proper functionality.
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