Ham Radio General Class Practice Test

Which of the following can indicate a problem with a lead acid battery during charging?

1. Excessive heat generation

2. Low voltage reading

3. Rapid bubble formation

4. Slow charge acceptance

The correct answer is: Excessive heat generation

Excessive heat generation during the charging of a lead acid battery is a clear indicator of a potential problem. When a lead acid battery is charged, it’s normal for it to warm slightly; however, if it becomes excessively hot, this can signal issues such as overcharging, a short circuit within the battery, or internal damage. Overcharging can cause the electrolyte to evaporate, leading to deteriorated performance and even risk of thermal runaway, which is a dangerous condition where the battery heats up uncontrollably. While low voltage reading, rapid bubble formation, and slow charge acceptance might also relate to battery performance, they do not as directly indicate an immediate problem like heat generation does. Low voltage could stem from other issues like an insufficient charge or a weak battery. Rapid bubble formation may occur in normal charging if the battery is being properly charged, especially when nearing a full charge. Slow charge acceptance can be a characteristic of older batteries as they age, but it is not an immediate sign of trouble in the same way that excessive heat is.