Why do batteries have a shelf life, for, say, 6 years? Why can't you let them sit there indefinitely and then use them?

 

 

Please, don't make it too complicated for me to understand.

The question is more why you think they would last forever.

 

Everything fades, its just a matter of time.

Why do batteries have a shelf life' date=' for, say, 6 years? Why can't you let them sit there indefinitely and then use them?

[/quote']

because of internal resistance. each battery contains conductive material and a corrosive, that corrosive will eventualy decay the plates (electrodes + and -), with use this occurs much faster, but even without use, it can and does occur but at a much slower rate due to internal resistance being very high, but non the less it`s still there. If a battery could be made without internal resistance, it would have an indefinate shelf life, sadly there`s no such beast (in the commercial market).

 

hope that helps a little

The question is more why you think they would last forever.

 

Everything fades' date=' its just a matter of time.[/quote']

That's not an explanation. It's just saying, "Because nothing lasts forever."

 

 

Thanks, YT!