VIDEO The Battery That's Lasted 176 Years

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The Battery That's Lasted 176 Years In a fascinating YouTube video presented by Sally le Page, we learn about the remarkable Oxford Electric Bell, which has been powered by a battery that has lasted for an astounding 176 years. Filmed in the Clarendon lab at Oxford University, this video delves into both the history and science behind what is considered the world’s most durable battery.

Historical Context​

The battery that powers the Oxford Electric Bell was acquired in 1840 by Reverend Robert Walker, an experimental philosopher at Oxford. To provide some perspective on this historical milestone, it's intriguing to note that if we rewind to 1780, significant events were unfolding in the world: George III was still on the British throne, the United States had just declared independence, and the young Napoleon was still in school. The innovation leading up to this battery stems from groundbreaking work done by Italian physicists Luigi Galvani and Alessandro Volta. Galvani’s experiments with frogs led to the discovery of “animal electricity,” while Volta went on to create the first battery in 1800, known as the voltaic pile, which laid the groundwork for future battery designs.

The Science Behind the Battery​

The Oxford Electric Bell operates using a dry pile battery, which is known for its longevity due to the minimal moisture used in the electrolyte. This battery is composed of many stacked discs of zinc and manganese dioxide, and while it has proven incredibly reliable, the exact composition remains somewhat of a mystery—cutting it open would mean ending its long-running lifespan. Within its operational lifetime, the bell has sounded around ten billion times, requiring only a tiny amount of current (approximately one nanoamp) with a voltage of about 2 kilovolts, which is significantly higher than the standard UK mains electricity.

Future Prospects​

What’s astonishing is that while the bell continues to ring, experts believe that it may eventually wear down before the battery itself runs out of energy. This counters early predictions from the instrument makers, who estimated that the power would last only a few years—an underestimation that has led to its Guinness World Record for durability. For those interested in deeper scientific discussions, Sally le Page provides additional insights through her channel, and the video encourages viewers to engage with her content as well. As we look to the future, the historical and scientific journey of the Oxford Electric Bell illustrates the remarkable impact of early electrical innovations and their long-lasting effects on modern technology. What are your thoughts on battery life and innovations in today's battery technology? Have you explored any other fascinating aspects of electrical engineering? Feel free to share your experiences or insights!