The chemical composition of the electrolyte...

🔍 Key Concepts

• Edison-type storage cells use an alkaline electrolyte, not an acid like lead-acid batteries • Think about the materials used in alkaline batteries (like nickel and steel parts) and what they must resist chemically • Consider typical specific gravity values and concentrations for alkaline electrolytes (potassium hydroxide solutions)

💭 Think About

• Which choice(s) describe properties that you recognize as typical for alkaline (nickel-iron) cells rather than lead-acid cells? • Does the specific gravity given sound more like an acid electrolyte or an alkaline one used in Edison cells? • If one statement about the electrolyte is true for Edison cells, are the others chemically and practically consistent with that type of electrolyte?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify whether Edison cells use sulfuric acid or an alkaline hydroxide solution • Check the typical concentration (around 20–25%) of potassium hydroxide solutions used in Edison cells • Confirm what kind of container material is normally used to hold an alkaline electrolyte (and why nickel-plated steel might be chosen)

The chemical composition of the electrolyte in an Edison-type storage cell:

Is contained in a nickel-plated sheet steel tank

Has a specific gravity of about 1.200

Is a 21% solution of potassium and lithium hydroxides in distilled water

All of the above

🔍 Key Concepts

💭 Think About

✅ Before You Answer