Question 37E1

Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) battery cells, like Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) cells, operate with a nominal voltage of 1.2 volts per cell. This voltage is determined by the specific chemical reactions within the battery during discharge. While a fully charged NiCad cell might momentarily show a slightly higher voltage (around 1.3V-1.4V), its stable working voltage throughout the majority of its discharge cycle is 1.2V. In contrast, common alkaline or carbon-zinc cells (non-rechargeable) have a nominal voltage of 1.5 volts per cell. Lead-acid battery cells, often found in larger capacities for amateur radio stations, typically have a nominal voltage of 2.0 to 2.1 volts per cell. Understanding these specific nominal voltages for different battery chemistries is essential for correctly powering equipment and designing charging circuits.