A scientist is using a lithium-ion battery to power her laptop. Which statement about the battery is correct? A. lithium atoms are created as the battery recharges. B. a new substance is formed as the battery is used. C. the mass of the battery increases when it is recharged. D. electrons are lost to the environment when the battery is used.

Answer 1

The correct statement about the lithium-ion battery in this context is C. the mass of the battery increases when it is recharged.

Here’s a brief explanation for the options:

A. Lithium atoms are created as the battery recharges. - This is incorrect because lithium atoms are not created during the charging process; instead, lithium ions are transferred between the anode and cathode.

B. A new substance is formed as the battery is used. - This is misleading. While chemical reactions occur during discharge and charge, the substances involved are not entirely new substances, rather they are different forms of lithium compounds.

C. The mass of the battery increases when it is recharged. - This can be seen as true as the movement of lithium ions could lead to slight changes in mass distribution, although in practice, the net mass remains fairly constant and strictly speaking, the battery's weight doesn't significantly change.

D. Electrons are lost to the environment when the battery is used. - This is incorrect. Electrons do move through the circuit while discharging, but they do not disappear or get lost to the environment.

Thus, among the given options, C is the most appropriate. However, it should be understood that practical changes in mass are very small and can often be considered negligible in typical scenarios.