why do TV remotes get “weak” when the batteries start running low?

Question

I’d instinctively expect it to be more of a binary thing: they work, then when the batteries get to a certain level they completely stop working.

Instead you get this in between phase when the batteries start getting low, where you have to get closer to the TV for them to work. Why?

In: 5

Answer 1

Same as why a light on battery starts to get weaker and weaker untill it stops. The energy difference between + and – gets lower so their is les current flowing and therefore the signal (infra red light) gets emitted with less power.