Why do rechargeable batteries only have 1.2 volts vs disposable batteries have 1.5 volts
In: Technology
The electric potential depends on the specific chemical reactions in the battery cell, which are different for the different materials in different types of batteries.
For example, due to the chemistry of a lead-acid car battery, each internal cell has a nominal voltage of 2.1 volts.
Standard electrode potentials for different materials are listed in tables like this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_electrode_potential_(data_page)
Some chemical reactions can be reversed easily by applying a reverse (charging) voltage to the cell, without destroying the battery cell’s structure. Other kinds of battery cells would get damaged internally if you tried that, so those cells are sold as “one-time use” batteries.
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