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Smart Charging Challenge
Smart Charging Challenge

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Our Argonne researchers work with batteries all the time. Recently, they’ve been studying how different materials affect battery capacities, recharging rates, and longevity of batteries. Many batteries we use today are considered “secondary” batteries, also known as “rechargeable.” Secondary batteries, like those found in your phone, use a chemical reaction to generate electricity to power your device. When plugged into a charger, the electricity from the wall reverses the chemical reaction, thus “charging” the battery. The current and resistance are two variables that will impact charge time. Current is the flow or movement of electrons in the circuit and resistance is a force that opposes current, meaning it makes it more difficult for the electrons to move. Basically, the lesser the resistance the faster the current, which means the faster the charge! There are a number of factors that impact resistance such as the length of the circuit. How do you think length impacts resistance? Which cable has more, shorter one or a longer one? Are there other factors to consider? Try the experiment below to help us find out!

Issuer:

Argonne National Laboratory
https://www.anl.gov/education

Evidence: Photo

Badge Type: skill

Expected Duration: hours

Criteria

  1. In order to earn this badge, the learner must sumbit their observations to the Argonne Smart Charging Data Form.
  2. In order to earn this badge, the learner must submit a screenshot of their submission confirmation.
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