Question 6A282

Low temperatures significantly impact lead-acid battery performance. First, **A) Electrolyte may freeze and split the battery if sg too low**. The electrolyte in a lead-acid battery is a mixture of sulfuric acid and water. When the battery is discharged, the sulfuric acid is consumed, leaving a higher concentration of water. Water freezes at 0°C (32°F). A fully charged battery has a lower freezing point due to the higher acid concentration. If a discharged battery is exposed to severe cold, its electrolyte can freeze, expand, and physically damage or split the battery case. Second, **B) The capacity is decreased**. The electrochemical reactions that produce electricity in a lead-acid battery slow down considerably at lower temperatures. This means the battery cannot deliver as much current or sustain it for as long, effectively reducing its usable capacity and its ability to crank an engine or power a radio. Since both effects (freezing risk and reduced capacity) are direct consequences of low temperature, **C) A & B** is the correct answer. Option D is incorrect because both A and B are valid effects.