• Adventure
  • Auto
  • Culture
  • Entertainment
  • Home & Garden
  • Money
  • Science
  • Tech
  • Video
  • Shows
  • Blogs
  • Quizzes
  • Games
  • Random Article
  • Computer
  • Electronics
  • Home > 
  • Tech > 
  • Electronics > 
  • Everyday Tech

Print
Cite This!
Close 
Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks article:

"Why do batteries seem to go dead and then come back to life if you let them rest?"  30 May 2000.  HowStuffWorks.com. <http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/everyday-tech/question390.htm>  11 February 2012.
Cite
Feedback

Gadgets Deconstructed

Watch now
Watch now
Inside this Article
  1. Why do batteries seem to go dead and then come back to life if you let them rest?
  2. Lots More Information
  1. See all Everyday Tech articles

Lots More Information

Related HowStuffWorks Articles

  • Batteries Quiz
  • How Batteries Work
  • How Lithium-ion Batteries Work
  • Could blood be used to power batteries?
  • How Electricity Works
  • How Solar Cells Work
  • How Fuel Cells Work
  • Why does a computer need a battery?
  • How do the battery testers on battery packages work?
  • What is the difference between a normal lead-acid car battery and a "deep cycle" battery?
  • Why do batteries seem to go dead and then come back to life if you let them rest?
  • What are all the different ways to store energy besides using rechargeable batteries?

More Great Links

  • BBC: How Do Batteries Work?
  • The Official Lemon-Power Website (It's about using lemons to power stuff!)
  • Deep Cycle Battery FAQ
  • Georgia Tech Center for Fuel Cell and Battery Technologies
VIDEO: Check out revealing videos of electronics deconstructed and 6 fundamental VOIP videos. >>
Previous Page

Popular Tech Topics

The Ultimate Computer History Quiz
The Ultimate Computer History Quiz
Top 5 Myths About the Internet
Top 5 Myths About the Internet
How to Connect Your Computer to Your TV
How to Connect Your Computer to Your TV
How Capacitors Work
How Capacitors Work
How Cloud Computing Works
How Cloud Computing Works
Take a look at Computer Videos

You Might Also Like

How Speakers Work

In any sound system, ultimate quality depends on the speakers. The best recording, encoded on the most advanced storage device and played by a top-of-the-line deck and amplifier, will sound awful if the system is hooked up to poor speakers.

10 Myths About Video Games

Video games have been the stuff of legend ever since they took the world by storm in the early 1980s. In fact, the video game world is so insular that you'd have to be a dedicated gamer to even hear certain myths about them.

Popular Articles

  • How the Iqua VizorSUN Works
  • How Home Theater Works
  • How the Clover Coffee Maker Works
Inside this Article
  1. Why do batteries seem to go dead and then come back to life if you let them rest?
  2. Lots More Information
  1. See all Everyday Tech articles
Previous Page

Popular Tech Videos

FPO
  • Cell Phone Tricks
  • Electronics Deconstructed
  • Ultimate Computer Hardware
  • How It's Made
  • Its All Geek To Me
  • See more»

New HSW Games

FPO
  • Storm Tracker
  • Memory Matrix
  • Crab Fishing Game
  • Volcano Explorer
  • Cannon Challenge
  • Speed Match
  • Lost in Migration
  • Word Bubbles
  • Color Match

Related Content

Prices: Batteries

  • Battery Powered Lift Counter Balanced Stacker 56&quot; H Lift 30&quot; Forks
    Battery Powered Lift Counter Balanced Stacker 56" H Lift 30" Forks

    WESCO BATTERY POWERED COUNTER BALANCED STACKER Use anyplace where a typical Lift Truck's Straddle Legs may interfere with the Job! Counterbalanced stacker is ideal for positioning dies, feeding materials into machinery or loading/unloading trucks, as the lack of protruding outrigger legs allows the unit to approach the work area without interference. Proven battery powered hydraulic pump lifts and lowers cargo via a hand-held remote control to ensure operator safety. Maintenance-free 12V battery, 10 amp battery charger, voltmeter and keyed on/off switch are standard. Lift truck may be operated on AC current while recharging. Electric stacker includes a floor lock for stationary positioning and mast safety screen to protect operator. 1 Year Limited Warranty. Note: Stackers require appropriate counter weights (sold separately) to obtain lift capacity. Order the proper weight kit for your planned load.

    $2969.00

  • Nema 4x Battery Unit - 12v 24w Lead Calcium/12w Heads
    Nema 4x Battery Unit - 12v 24w Lead Calcium/12w Heads

    Emergi-Lite NEMA 4X Battery Unit - 12V 24W Lead Calcium/12W Heads This NEMA 4x battery unit combines state-of-the art illumination with a visually appealing package. Designed to perform in a wide range of commercial and industrial environments where humidity, dust, water infiltration and the risk of vandalism are specification criteria. Meets or exceeds the requirements of UL 924, NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, N.E.C. and I.C.C. standards. 19.00 L. 7.13 W. 7.13 H.

    $278.95

  • Explosion Proof Battery Unit - 6v 25w 2 Head 12w Lamps
    Explosion Proof Battery Unit - 6v 25w 2 Head 12w Lamps

    Emergi-Lite Explosion Proof Battery Unit - 6V 25W 2 Head 12W Lamps This Explosion Proof Unit is completely self-contained and weather resistant. Maintenance-free Nickel-Cadmium power system proves safe emergency lighting in hazardous area locations. Cast copper-free aluminum housing. Gasketed cover spins off for easy access to battery and electronics. A variety of fixtures and exits are available for mounting either directly to the housing or remotely which offers completely job flexibility. Meets or exceeds the requirements of UL 924, NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, N.E.C. and I.C.C. standards. 18.90 L. 14.00 W. 9.60 H.

    $3812.00

HOWSTUFFWORKS
  • Adventure
  • Auto
  • Culture
  • Entertainment
  • Health
  • Home & Garden
  • Lifestyle
  • Money
  • Science
  • Tech
MORE STUFF
  • Blogs
  • Games
  • HSW Tools
  • RSS
  • Maps
  • Podcasts
  • Quizzes
  • Newsletters
  • Video
OUR WEBSITES
  • Animal Planet
  • Consumer Guide Auto
  • Consumer Guide Products
  • Discovery Channel
  • Discovery Fit & Health
  • HSW Brazil
  • HSW China HowStuffWorks China
  • Investigation Discovery
  • Oprah Winfrey Network
  • Planet Green
  • Science Channel
  • TLC
  • Discovery Education
  • Store
CUSTOMER SERVICE
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Help
CORPORATE
  • About Us
  • Careers @ Discovery
  • Privacy Policy
  • Visitor Agreement
TAKE US WITH YOU
FOLLOW US
© 1998-2012 HowStuffWorks, Inc