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Page 293

| Charge |

| During the charge (Fig. 15-3C), the direction of the current flow through each cell of the battery is opposite that during discharge, and hence a reverse electrochemical action takes place. The plates are gradually returned to their former state: lead peroxide in the positive plate and spongy lead in the negative plate. All acid previously absorbed in the development of lead sulphate is again set free and returned to the electrolyte. Both the process of desulphation and the increase of acid content in the electrolyte progress slowly throughout the charging period. When the cell is completely charged (Fig. 15-3D), all acid will have been driven out of the plates, and the acid in the electrolyte will be at a maximum. |

| Figure 15-3 (cont.) (C) charging, and (D) charged. |

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