The Science Behind the Samsung Galaxy Note 7's Battery Fires
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is suffering the same fate as countless hoverboards — there are reports that some phones have been bursting into flames, prompting Samsung is issue a recall and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to strongly discourage passengers from carrying the device on planes, news sources report.
Why is this smartphone such a fire hazard? The answer has to do with its lithium-ion battery, a common power source that isn't just used in cellphones but also in computers, power tools and toys.
Well-made electronics have safety measures built into their lithium-ion batteries, but faulty ones with poorly made electric circuitry can meet with fiery ends.
For instance, faulty batteries can be overcharged. Well-made batteries will stop charging automatically once they're full, but that's not always the case for faulty batteries. If left plugged in for too long, the lithium ions can collect in one spot and be deposited as metallic lithium within the battery. Also, heat from the overcharging can cause oxygen bubbles within the gel, which are highly reactive with metallic lithium.
Likewise, defective lithium-ion batteries can also be over-discharged, meaning they don't shut off when the power is too low, which can also lead to fires.
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