Why do batteries go dead in an unused flashlight while the rest of the batteries still in the pack stay good?

submitted by raven9 from (self.AskSaidIt)

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[–][deleted] 16 insightful - 4 fun16 insightful - 3 fun17 insightful - 4 fun -  (1 child)

I can explain this phenomenon, because i study it right now ! :-)

It is called "creep" current. Every source of current has certain things connecting its poles. Even the batteries in the pack will go dead. Most likely later because the resistance between them is higher than the resistance connecting the batteries in your flash-light. They most likely are connected by metal which itself has a low resistance, even when turned off.

[–]Aiz0eihu 3 insightful - 2 fun3 insightful - 1 fun4 insightful - 2 fun -  (0 children)

This is a good explanation of this phenomenon. Also explains why batteries left in a device for a long time start leaking.