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Battery Type Explorer

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About This MicroSim

This interactive infographic compares six common battery formats: coin cell, AAA, AA, 18650 lithium-ion, 9V, and D cell. Selecting a column reveals the battery's chemistry, nominal voltage, typical capacity, and appropriate uses.

The 18650 shown here is a cylindrical rechargeable lithium-ion cell. It is not the same physical format as a soft lithium-polymer pouch cell, although both belong to the broader rechargeable lithium-battery family.

How to Use

  1. In Explore mode, click a battery column—or focus it with the keyboard and press Enter—to reveal its specifications and typical uses.
  2. Compare batteries that share the same nominal voltage but have very different capacities.
  3. Select Quiz Me and answer each use-case question by choosing the matching battery image.

Battery Types

  1. CR2032-style coin cell
  2. AAA alkaline cell
  3. AA alkaline cell
  4. 18650 rechargeable lithium-ion cell
  5. 9V alkaline battery
  6. D alkaline cell

Lesson Plan

Grade Level

Grades 6–10; beginning electronics

Duration

10–15 minutes

Learning Objective

Students will compare the nominal voltage, typical capacity, chemistry, and common use of six battery types and explain why physical size alone does not determine voltage.

Activities

  1. Explore: Inspect every battery and record its voltage and capacity range.
  2. Compare: Find three batteries with the same nominal voltage but substantially different capacities.
  3. Apply: Complete the use-case quiz and justify each choice.

Assessment

Ask learners to choose a battery for a clock backup, a rechargeable robot, and a long-running flashlight, explaining the voltage, capacity, and safety considerations behind each choice.

References

  1. Chapter 5, “Conductors, Batteries, and Circuit Vocabulary Review,” in this textbook.
  2. IEC 60050 terminology for primary and secondary cells and batteries.