Private Pilot Private Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Private Pilot Private Exam with detailed quizzes featuring flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with explanations and tips for success. Ace your exam today!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

To maintain a charge in a battery, the voltage output from the alternator should be...

Lower than the battery voltage
The same as the battery voltage
Higher than the battery voltage
Equal to twice the battery voltage

The correct answer is: Higher than the battery voltage

The correct answer is that to maintain a charge in a battery, the voltage output from the alternator should be higher than the battery voltage. A battery requires a certain amount of voltage above its resting voltage to ensure proper charging. If the voltage from the alternator is lower than or equal to the battery voltage, it will not provide sufficient pressure to push current into the battery, which is essential for charging it effectively. When the alternator operates and produces a voltage greater than that of the battery, it creates a potential difference. This difference drives the current from the alternator into the battery, allowing it to replenish its stored energy. Typically, an alternator's output voltage is slightly higher than the nominal voltage of a fully charged battery, usually around 13.8 to 14.5 volts for a 12-volt battery system. This range ensures that the battery is charged adequately while also preventing overcharging, which can damage the battery. In conclusion, maintaining an output voltage higher than the battery's voltage ensures that the battery remains charged and operational, keeping all systems running smoothly.