Lesson 2/Learning Event 1
When the assembled element, consisting of the positive and negative plate groups and separators, is
immersed in electrolyte, it becomes a CELL. The voltage of a charged cell as measured with an
open circuit is about 2.1 volts, regardless of the size of the cell. For practical purposes we generally
just say that the voltage of the cell is 2 volts. In order to obtain more than 2 volts from a battery,
several cells are used and connected in series (negative to positive). For example, a 6-volt battery
will contain three cells and a 12-volt battery six cells. The cell terminals are connected by welding
them to connector straps.
All the cells of a battery are placed in a one-piece container or case that is divided into
compartments. Each compartment is the container for one cell. The bottom of each cell
compartment generally has raised ribs for the element to rest on. The area between the ribs serves
as sediment space. During use, the active material on the plates gradually sheds and falls into the
sediment space. The entire container is made of hard rubber or some other insulating material that
is resistant to acid and to mechanical shock.
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