Final answer:
A battery with thicker zinc walls lasts longer because there's more material to participate in the chemical reactions providing energy, and a thicker zinc anode offers prolonged protection against corrosion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reason a battery with thick zinc walls lasts longer than one with thin zinc walls is because of the chemical reactions that occur within the battery.
In an alkaline battery, the main chemical reaction involves zinc (Zn) as the anode: Zn (s) + 2OH- (aq) → Zn(OH)₂ (s) + 2e-.
The zinc anode is consumed as the battery discharges energy, and having a thicker zinc wall means there is more zinc available to take part in the reaction, thus yielding a longer battery life. Additionally, zinc acts as a sacrificial anode, meaning it will corrode or dissolve over time, protecting other metals within the battery from corrosion.
A thicker zinc wall would endure this process and provide a longer lasting protection compared to a thinner one. This, along with the fact that alkaline batteries maintain a steady voltage and have a longer shelf life, makes the thickness of the zinc wall a determining factor in its longevity.
The reason a battery with thick zinc walls lasts longer than one with thin zinc walls is because the thickness of the zinc walls affects the battery's capacity and the rate of corrosion. With thicker zinc walls, the battery has a larger capacity to store and deliver electrical energy.
Additionally, the thicker walls provide more protection against corrosion, prolonging the battery's lifespan.