Why do rechargeable dry battery cells typically have a voltage of 1.2 volts, while non-rechargeable cells have 1.5 volts?

Question

Why do rechargeable dry battery cells typically have a voltage of 1.2 volts, while non-rechargeable cells have 1.5 volts?

In: Technology

Answer 1

Different materials.

Cell voltage is dependant on the pair of materials used, there are even tables of how much of a voltage difference you’ll get from any combination.

Non-rechargeable cells use materials that typically offer longer runtimes and more stable voltage, but their chemical reaction can’t be reversed easily to recharge the cell.