Batteries are an essential part of most electronics, but when choosing which battery to use it is smart to look at the pros and cons of the type you decide to use. This article will look at the alkaline battery’s advantages and disadvantages.

Alkaline batteries were first invented by Lewis Urry in 1957 while working at Union Carbide.

Alkaline batteries are “a type of primary battery which derives its energy from the reaction between zinc metal and manganese dioxide,” according to Wikipedia. Its main competition is the lithium battery - both can be used in most of our standard electronics. The alkaline battery accounts for 80% of all the batteries manufactured in the United States.

The Pros of Alkaline Batteries:

1. Their high energy density allows them to last longer than other batteries.

2. They can be disposed without some of the restrictions other battery types experience.

3. Rechargeable ones can be reused 100s of times

4. They have a greater resistance to low temperatures compared to other types

5. They store well - even after 2 years they hold up to 90% of their energy

6. The cost less than other types of batteries

7. Not restricted to carry on a plane

The Cons of Alkaline Batteries

1. They are bulkier than their lithium alternatives

2. They can explode when charging with faulty charger

3. Overtime they can leak a corrosive liquid that damages the devices they are in

4.  Their chemicals are toxic

5. Their high internal resistance reduces output

So an alkaline battery with its long shelf and in device life is a popular choice for smart devices and devices where it is inconvenient to replace. Given lithium batteries are more expensive and may outlast an alkaline battery - many times the device breaks or becomes outdated so that added expense may not be profitable.

If you are choosing a battery to put in your device remember some require alkaline batteries to maintain warranties.