What Is a Dry Cell Battery?

The dry cell battery is one of the most used types of batteries in the world. You can find dry cell batteries in many types of electronic devices or anything that uses triple or double-A, C, D, or 9-volt batteries.

Construction

Dry cell batteries contain a cathode rod surrounded by a paste that conducts the charge. Both of those are wrapped in a cardboard tube and then secured in an alkaline or zinc casing.

Types

Most dry cell batteries that use mercury for the cathode rod power calculators. Sometimes silver can be used for the cathode rod, but this material is not as common.

Identification

A dry cell battery has one positive and one negative contact. If it is shaken, you cannot hear liquid.

Rechargeable

Rechargeable dry cell batteries include nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion, which are mainly used in digital cameras and other heavy use electronics.

Fun Fact

Alkaline batteries are better than zinc batteries because alkaline batteries corrode less and hold a charge longer.