2010 Science Project by Student in Reach Up program Which alkaline battery has the overall best performance in RC Toy Device? 2010 Science Project by Student in Reach Up program

Introduction Batteries … without them, your watch, camera, car, RV, stereo, cell phone, or electronic game wouldn’t work! Without them, most electronic projects would useless… our alternative energy systems would be unable to work … and our equipment we take for granted would be worthless. But have you ever tried to test your batteries to see how it would last longer and work better? Or if it would work one day, and lose it performance the next day? If I can figure out which has the best performance, I will know which battery to rely on later.

Rationale Two years ago on Christmas I received a Remote Control (RC) car as gift that had a pack of “no-name” brand batteries which I never heard in the package. I was so excited because this was the first RC car I had received since I was three years old. I put my batteries in the car and raced it around the house, but after about twenty minutes, the batteries died. I quickly found some old Duracell batteries, replace the dead ones and it worked like a charm. I was curious as to why certain brands of batteries work better and last longer than other brands. Thus, this led me to determine which brand of alkaline batteries performs the best in a RC toy device.

Questions Which of the three batteries last the longest in the RC toy device? Which of the batteries last the shortest in the RC toy device? Which of the batteries has the best performance in the RC toy device? Which of the batteries has least performance in the RC toy device?

Hypothesis I think that Energizer batteries will last the longest and have the best performance in the RC toy device, because of the advertisements say that they are the best of all batteries.

Materials Energizer batteries , Duracell batteries, and Nuon batteries Volt meter Amperage meter Notepad Pencil Timer RC(remote control ) mini heli havoc

Procedures I tested amperage first on each battery to make sure that none of the batteries were run down. Then, I tested the batteries. Three brands of 4 pack alkaline batteries were timed in 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minute intervals in the RC toy device. Each battery was tested after the timed interval with the volt meter. The time interval was then documented in my science project log book.

Safety Issues Safety issues with the batteries were monitored by me and my parents. Batteries were kept away from flammable products and flames. Batteries were kept dry and not left in moist weather to prevent magnesium and potassium hydroxide leakage. Gloves were worn to keep the hands insulated from mild electrocution.

Discussion Alkaline batteries: Alkaline batteries are what we usually use in our daily life. The alkaline battery gets its name because it has an alkaline electrolyte of potassium hydroxide. General Information: The alkaline-manganese dioxide battery was introduced in the early 1960’s and remains in a strong position in today’s battery market. Theoretically, alkaline-manganese dioxide cells have a higher capacity than Leclanche, or zinc-carbon cells, of similar sizes. This is due to higher purity and activity of the manganese dioxide, the dense cathode with little electrolyte, and the efficient spacing of components. The voltage for this battery begins above 1.5 volts, which decreases gradually during discharge. In addition, the battery can function at temperatures up to 55 degrees Celsius.

Alkaline battery

Data Analysis

Data Analysis Results The Duracell 4-pack of alkaline batteries lasted the shortest and had the least performance during the timed intervals in the RC toy device. The Energizer 4-pack of alkaline batteries remained at a normal or moderate performance during the timed intervals in the RC toy device. The Nuon 4-pack of alkaline batteries lasted the longest and performed the best in the RC toy device during the timed intervals.

Conclusion In conclusion, I learned that Nuon batteries are have one of the best performances in remote controlled toy devices. My research data, however may be slightly inaccurate due to the type of timer I utilized, therefore, I would encourage others to try this project. Based upon the results of my project, I learned that my hypothesis was incorrect.

Bibliography 1. Alkaline Batteries: Retrieved December 28, 2009, from Battery University.com 2. Learning Center: How batteries work: Retrieved December 28, 2009, from Energizer.com 3. Perez,R.A. (1985) The complete battery book. Blue Ridge Summit, PA:TAB Books Incorporated.