Coast Guard Exams
Question 339Electricity/Electronics - Assistant Engineer70% to pass

What should you be aware of when checking the specific gravity of the battery electrolyte with a hydrometer?

AI Explanation
The correct answer is A) Depending on the temperature, it may be necessary to correct for temperature when checking the specific gravity of the battery electrolyte with a hydrometer. This is correct because the specific gravity of the electrolyte is affected by temperature. As the temperature increases, the specific gravity will decrease, and vice versa. To get an accurate reading, you need to either take the reading at a standardized temperature (usually 80°F/26.7°C) or apply a temperature correction factor to the hydrometer reading. The other options are incorrect because: B) the battery is discharged when the float is highest, not lowest; C) the hydrometer reading is not accurate immediately after adding water, as the electrolyte needs time to mix; and D) the battery is fully charged when the float sinks deepest, not highest.