NiCad and NIMH batteries often resemble each other.
Batteries were invented in the late 18th century, and the development of the battery over time has gone hand-in-hand with the development of mechanical and electronic devices. The nickel-cadmium battery (NiCad) has been in use since 1899 while the nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) has been in use since 1967. Because of their small size, each has contributed to making it easier to power electronics.
NiCad
The NiCad battery is used for many electronic-based items, from two-way radios to camcorders. The battery has many advantages such as a long cycle life, long storage life and rapid recharge rates. The disadvantages of NiCad are numerous. The battery needs to be periodically completely drained and also has a high rate of self discharge -- it needs to be totally used before it is recharged and will need to be recharged much more often. Also, If not properly maintained, a NiCad battery will say it is fully charged when it is not. This will lead to the battery no longer being able to take a full charge. This is known as a false memory and can shorten the lifespan of a NiCad battery.
NiMH
The NiMH battery is a rechargeable battery, often used in devices such as portable game systems, music players and remote controls. Like the NiCad battery, It is sold as a replacement for the non-reusable alkaline batteries and comes in a variety of sizes. This battery has many advantages over NiCad, such as a higher energy capacity, easier storage and transport, and does not suffer from the false memory issue that other batteries have. Disadvantages of the NiMH battery include a limited service life due to a rapid self discharge; it is also easy to overcharge and can generate heat during a fast recharge.
Construction
NiCad and NiMH batteries can resemble one another. Each type is constructed differently, however. NiCad batteries are made of two thin plates of nickel oxy-hydroxide and cadmium. These plates are flattened and shaped into a cylinder. NiMH batteries are constructed of both nickel and another metal such as titanium. NiCad batteries can be toxic and are not easy to recycle. NiMH batteries are made out of much safer materials that are not toxic and friendlier to the environment. Nickel and titanium are easier to recycle and will not poison the ground if buried.
NiCad or NIMH?
Keep in mind the advantages and disadvantages of both when purchasing. Both the NiCad and the NiMH batteries can be found in a variety of types, from the cylindrical AAA to D sizes as well as the rectangular batteries that are often found in high-end portable devices. Both types are rechargeable and each type is sold as as a replacement for non-reusable batteries.
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