Question
A dead battery can be jump-started or recharged by connecting it to a working battery using jumper cables, why can this process be dangerous? The applied current causes water to evaporate, creating steam The applied current causes water in the dead battery to decompose and produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas lead may leak out of the battery. sulfuric acid in the battery may leak out
Solution
4.1
(269 Votes)
Maren
Veteran · Tutor for 10 years
Answer
The most significant danger in jump-starting a car comes from the **applied current causing water in the dead battery to decompose and produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.**Here's why:* **Electrolysis:** A car battery contains water (part of the electrolyte solution) and sulfuric acid. When a large current is applied during jump-starting, it can cause electrolysis of the water. Electrolysis is the process of using electricity to decompose a compound. In this case, water (H₂O) is broken down into hydrogen gas (H₂) and oxygen gas (O₂).* **Explosive Mixture:** Hydrogen gas is highly flammable, and when mixed with oxygen in the air, it creates an explosive mixture. A spark, which can easily occur during the jump-starting process (due to loose connections or accidental contact), can ignite this mixture, causing a battery explosion. This explosion can propel battery acid and fragments outward, causing serious injury.While the other options mention potential issues, they are less likely to be the primary danger during jump-starting:* **Steam:** While some evaporation might occur, it's not the primary hazard. The generation of hydrogen and oxygen is far more dangerous.* **Lead leakage:** Lead is contained within the battery plates. While damage to the battery case could cause leakage, this is less likely to occur during a jump-start than a hydrogen explosion.* **Sulfuric acid leakage:** A damaged battery case can leak sulfuric acid, which is corrosive. However, the risk of explosion due to hydrogen gas is more immediate and dangerous during the jump-starting process. A cracked battery should be replaced regardless.