Longevity of Batteries
The purpose of this project was to determine which brand of AA alkaline battery (Energizer, Duracell, CVS) would lose the least amount of voltage when placed in a circuit for half an hour and drained by four 1.14W light bulbs which are held by a light bulb holder. The battery brand that used the least amount of voltage to power the circuit would have the best performance. The circuits were run at two different temperatures, 23°C (room temperature) and 3°C (refrigerator temperature). Minimal loss of voltage at varying temperature could identify the hardiest battery brand. After 48 trials, 16 per brand, 8 per temperature, it was possible to determine which brand had achieved the best performance through 10 2-sample t-tests. Although the data was too close to be significant, for all 48 trials combined, less voltage was lost at 23°C than at 3°C. Colder temperatures generally show a larger use of voltage. For the data collected at 23°C, Duracell lost less voltage than CVS, but Energizer lost less voltage than both brands, making it the better battery. For all 23°C trials, except Duracell versus CVS, the data was too close to be significant. At 3°C, CVS lost less voltage than Energizer, but Duracell lost less voltage than CVS. Duracell is the best choice at 3°C although, once again, the data was too close to be significant. At room temperature Energizer is the best choice, but it is the worst choice at refrigerator temperature. Duracell might be the second best choice at 23°C but it is the best choice at 3°C. The best all-around battery brand would be Duracell.
Research Done By:
Malissa Moran
Cousino High School
Alison Ross
Cousino High School
Warren Consolidated Schools