What is the composition of the negative plate in a lead-acid storage cell?

• A. Pure spongy lead
• B. Lead peroxide
• C. A mixture of lead and carbon
• D. None of the above

Answer: (A)

The negative plate in a lead-acid storage cell is composed of pure spongy lead, which is critical for the functioning of the battery. This spongy lead provides a large surface area for electrochemical reactions to occur during the discharge and charging processes. The lead is in a porous form, which allows the sulfuric acid electrolyte to penetrate and interact efficiently with the lead. This interaction results in the formation of lead sulfate as the battery discharges, while during charging, lead sulfate is converted back to spongy lead and sulfuric acid.

Other choices do not accurately describe the negative plate in a lead-acid battery. Lead peroxide is typically found on the positive plate, while a mixture of lead and carbon is not standard in the construction of lead-acid batteries. Understanding the role of pure spongy lead is essential for comprehending how lead-acid batteries operate and store energy.