When shopping for batteries, you may feel overwhelmed by choices. Not only are many name brands available, but each brand also offers several different types from which to choose. You may wonder what distinguishes a common alkaline battery from its heavy-duty "dry cell" cousin, especially since the prices are similar.
In short, alkaline batteries tend to last longer, hold up in more environments and retain their capacity for a longer period of time.
Chemical Composition
While alkaline batteries are actually a type of dry-cell batteries, their chemical composition is unique. Within a dry-cell battery's metal cylinder is a graphite rod surrounded by a combination of ammonium chloride and manganese dioxide. When these chemicals react with one another, the oxidation allows a small amount of electrical current to pass through the rod. An alkaline battery contains potassium hydroxide in the place of the ammonium chloride.
Capacity
The use of an alkaline compound in the construction of the battery gives it the capacity for far more energy than a standard dry-cell battery. Whereas the latter can typically produce around 50 percent more power than an old-fashioned carbon zinc battery under the same electrical load, an alkaline battery can produce anywhere from 500 to 700 percent more power than the identical carbon zinc variety.
