Informative, Word Challenge, Word Prompt

RDP Wednesday: bounce

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Written for RDP, where segoil ask us
To get creative with the word “bounce”.
Thanks, Heather! Here’s where the prompt took me

© PBS

Did you know …. dead batteries bounce? Yes, dead batteries do bounce, but this test is actually about a battery’s age and usage rather than its exact charge level. A fresh, fully charged battery lands with a solid “thud,” while a used or depleted battery will bounce. The bounce comes down to chemistry inside, alkaline batteries, such as AA and AAA cells.

Inside a new battery, the zinc layer has a gel-like consistency that absorbs the kinetic energy of the drop, causing the battery to fall flat. As the battery discharges, the zinc converts into harder, dry, zinc oxide. This hardened material acts like a bouncy ball, transferring energy and causing it to bounce.

To take the bouncing test, hold a battery vertically about 1 to 2 inches above a hard, flat surface, like a table or countertop. Drop the battery so the negative end hits the surface first. If the battery falls flat with a thud, it is fresh/good; if it bounces a few times, it is used or dead.

While this may impress your friends, it isn’t a scientifically precise tool. Researchers have found that batteries that are merely half-full or partially drained will bounce just as high as completely dead ones. The test can really only tell you if a battery is brand new or has been used.

For a quick demonstration of the chemistry and how this drop test works, you can check out the short video below.

NAR©2026

RDP Wednesday: BOUNCE

Everything on The Elephant’s Trunk was created by me, except where otherwise indicated. Thanks for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.

23 thoughts on “RDP Wednesday: bounce”

Tell me what you're thinking. 🖊️