When batteries explode: five questions
http://phys.org/news/2016-09-batteries.htmlSeptember 13, 2016
Samsung is warning consumers to stop using its flagship Galaxy Note 7 smartphone after a spate of battery explosions.
It was the latest in a string of lithium-ion battery fires on products ranging from laptops to hoverboards to airliners—and a reminder that pushing the technology envelope can sometimes be problematic.
Here are some things to know about the recall and why batteries can be a fire hazard.
How do these batteries work and why do they catch fire?
A lithium-ion battery is a kind of rechargeable battery that uses different materials, one holding positive ions—the cathode—and the other holding negative ions—the anode.
These ions move one way when charging, and back again when discharging—being used....
What is the issue with Samsung's batteries?
We don't know exactly, but Samsung has given some clues. It said parts of the battery that should never touch came together due to a "very rare manufacturing process error"....
Has this happened before?
Yes. Battery fires have been reported in products including Sony Vaio laptops, last-year's must-have toy the hoverboard, electric bikes and even Boeing's Dreamliner jet...
How extensive is the problem?
Not very. Millions of lithium-ion batteries are produced annually with a tiny fraction of those catching fire or exploding.
At the start of this month, Samsung had received reports of about 35 incidents involving the phone's batteries...
What does this mean for Samsung and other gadget makers that use these batteries?
It will damage Samsung's reputation and likely hurt profits at a time when it is feeling the squeeze from Apple's iPhone and Chinese rivals in the lower-end category. The mobile business accounts for a major share of Samsung's profits.,,
