Lead-Acid Battery Discharge

Pb + PbO2 + 2H2SO4 → 2PbSO4 + 2H2O

Descripción general

During discharge, lead is oxidized to PbSO₄ at the anode while PbO₂ is reduced to PbSO₄ at the cathode, consuming sulfuric acid and producing water. The cell voltage is about 2.1 V, and six cells in series give the standard 12.6 V car battery. Invented by Gaston Planté in 1859, it remains the world's most recycled product.

Participantes

Rol Sustancia Coeficiente Estado
Reactivo Lead Pb 1 (s)
Reactivo Sulfuric Acid H₂SO₄ 2 (aq)
Producto Water H₂O 2 (l)

Ejemplo cotidiano

The 12V battery that starts your car every morning uses this exact lead-acid chemistry, invented over 160 years ago.

Importancia industrial

Las baterías de plomo-ácido representan un mercado global de 45 000 millones de dólares. Son reciclables en un 99% y dominan el arranque de automóviles, sistemas SAI e instalaciones de energía de respaldo.

Propiedades

Tipo
Electrochemical
Reversible
Sí
Energía
Exotérmico
ΔH
-359,0 kJ/mol

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Lead-Acid Battery Discharge?
The balanced equation is: Pb + PbO₂ + 2H₂SO₄ → 2PbSO₄ + 2H₂O.
What type of reaction is Lead-Acid Battery Discharge?
Lead-Acid Battery Discharge is a electrochemical reaction. It is reversible under certain conditions.
Is Lead-Acid Battery Discharge exothermic or endothermic?
Lead-Acid Battery Discharge is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -359.0 kJ/mol.