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Which Battery Should You Use?


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(KSL News) -- Batteries claim to keep going and going and going but now every brand has a myriad of choices. Alkaline, titanium, lithium...how do you choose?

Batteries work because a chemical reaction inside produces electrons. It's the speed of this electron production that controls how much power batteries provide and how long that power will last.

Experts such as Ron Runkles at NEMA, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, call this energy density.

Ron Runkles, NEMA: "The lithium batteries have a higher energy density than the alkaline batteries in general. And your e-squared titanium has a higher energy density than probably your max."

Choosing a Battery:

  • Lithium: flash cameras & very long shelf life
  • Titanium: electronic games, cd players, and mini-discs
  • alkalines: clocks, flashlights, remote controls

Lithium would be a better buy in high drain devices such as flash cameras and if you want very long shelf life. Titanium is a good choice for electonic games, cd players, and mini-discs. Cheaper alkalines are fine for clocks, flashlights, remote controls.

As for battery brands, the experts say there's very little difference, so buy whichever battery offers the lowest price

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