Title: Battery Construction & Types - Activity
Course: ASE A6 Battery Service > Section: Module 1: Battery Construction & Types

Q: The battery component made of polypropylene that houses all internal components and is divided into six compartments is the:
- Battery top
- Separator
- Battery case
- Cell strap
A: Battery case

Q: The lead-alloy framework that holds positive plate paste in place and conducts current is the:
- Cell strap
- Separator
- Negative plate grid
- Positive plate grid
A: Positive plate grid

Q: The lead-alloy framework that holds negative plate paste in place and conducts current is the:
- Positive plate grid
- Negative plate grid
- Positive post
- Separator
A: Negative plate grid

Q: The active material made of lead dioxide (PbO2) that accepts electrons during discharge is the:
- Negative plate paste
- Electrolyte
- Positive plate paste
- Separator
A: Positive plate paste

Q: The active material made of sponge lead (Pb) that supplies electrons during discharge is the:
- Positive plate paste
- Negative plate paste
- Cell strap
- Positive post
A: Negative plate paste

Q: The porous barrier made of microporous polyethylene or absorbent glass mat that prevents plate contact while allowing ion flow is the:
- Electrolyte
- Cell strap
- Plate grid
- Separator
A: Separator

Q: The solution of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and water (H2O) that carries ions between plates and participates in the chemical reaction is the:
- Separator
- Active material
- Electrolyte
- Plate paste
A: Electrolyte

Q: The external connection point that is slightly larger in diameter and typically marked with a "+" is the:
- Negative post
- Cell strap
- Hold-down screw
- Positive post
A: Positive post

Q: The external connection point that is slightly smaller in diameter and typically marked with a "-" is the:
- Positive post
- Negative post
- Cell strap
- Hold-down screw
A: Negative post

Q: The component that connects the positive plate group of one cell to the negative plate group of the adjacent cell, creating a series connection, is the:
- Separator
- Plate grid
- Terminal post
- Cell strap
A: Cell strap

Q: How many positive plate grids and how many negative plate grids are in the entire 3D battery model? Why is the count different?

Q: Explain why the cells are connected in series rather than in parallel. What would happen to the voltage if they were connected in parallel instead?

Q: A customer asks: "What is the difference between a flooded battery and an AGM battery?" Explain the difference in terms a customer would understand.

Q: What does CCA stand for, and why is it the most important rating for an automotive starting battery?

Q: What would happen if the separators were removed from a battery? Explain why separators are critical.

Q: How many positive plate grids and how many negative plate grids are in the entire 3D battery model? Why is the count different?
Feedback: Expected Answer: 6 positive grids and 12 negative grids. Each cell has one more negative plate than positive so that every positive plate has a negative plate on both sides for efficient current distribution.

Q: Explain why the cells are connected in series rather than in parallel. What would happen to the voltage if they were connected in parallel instead?
Feedback: Expected Answer: Series connection adds voltages together (6 x 2.1V = 12.6V). If connected in parallel, the voltage would remain at 2.1V but the amperage capacity would increase. A vehicle's electrical system requires 12 volts, so series connection is necessary.

Q: A customer asks: "What is the difference between a flooded battery and an AGM battery?" Explain the difference in terms a customer would understand.
Feedback: Expected Answer: A flooded battery has liquid acid inside that you can check and add water to — it has removable caps on top. An AGM battery has the acid soaked into fiberglass pads inside, so there's no liquid that can spill. AGM batteries are sealed and maintenance-free, but they cost more. Both do the same job of starting the engine.

Q: What does CCA stand for, and why is it the most important rating for an automotive starting battery?
Feedback: Expected Answer: CCA stands for Cold Cranking Amps. It measures how much current the battery can deliver at 0°F for 30 seconds while staying above 7.2 volts. It's the most important rating because engines are hardest to start in cold weather — the oil is thicker and the battery's chemical reactions are slower, so you need to know the battery can deliver enough current when it matters most.

Q: What would happen if the separators were removed from a battery? Explain why separators are critical.
Feedback: Expected Answer: Without separators, the positive and negative plates would touch each other and create a short circuit. The cell would discharge immediately, generate excessive heat, and could not produce voltage. The battery would be permanently damaged. Separators are critical because they prevent direct contact between plates while still allowing sulfate ions to pass through the electrolyte during charge and discharge.