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Which battery type requires being completely drained before recharging?

  1. Lithium-Ion

  2. Lead Acid

  3. Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cad)

  4. Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)

The correct answer is: Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cad)

The correct answer is Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cad). This battery type is known for the "memory effect," which can occur when it is repeatedly charged before being fully discharged. If a Ni-Cad battery is not completely drained before recharging, it can lose some of its capacity over time, making it less effective. This means users should aim to fully discharge a Ni-Cad battery before charging it again to maintain its overall performance and longevity. In contrast, Lithium-Ion batteries do not have this requirement and can be charged at any point in their discharge cycle without damaging their capacity. Lead Acid batteries also don't require complete discharge; in fact, regularly discharging them too much can reduce their lifespan. Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries, like Lithium-Ion, can be charged without the need for full discharge and do not experience the memory effect to the same degree as Ni-Cad batteries. Thus, Ni-Cad clearly stands out in this regard, making it essential to fully drain before recharging.