Section 39 (Electronics - Design And Function - 1 Of 4): Battery: Terminology: Discharge

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2013 Volvo C70, 2012 Volvo C70, 2011 Volvo C70, 2010 Volvo C70, and 2009 Volvo C70. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The process where a battery is under load and gives off current. During discharge, the lead on the negative plate and the lead oxide on the positive plate are converted to lead sulfate. Sulfuric acid is consumed and water is formed, reducing the density of the acid.

This reaction can be written:

PbO₂ + Pb + 2 H₂ SO₄ → 2 PbSO₄ + 2 H₂ O