Would an EMP destroy unprotected and ungrounded batteries? Would it damage them in any way?

Question

There are various kinds of batteries and I need to know whether any is more susceptible to an EMP than the others or if any battery not in a circuit or not grounded would be damaged at all.  If damage is possible or probable, I'd like to know the kind and extent of the damage to expect.  I making an assumption that car batteries still on the shelf and with no chemicals added yet would be undamaged.  But I don't know.  I'm assuming also that ungrounded large batteries in major installations might be safe and that smaller ones would such as flashlight batteries would probably be damaged.  But, I don't know and would much appreciate good thoughtful comments.

tlbs101 · Accepted Answer

EMP is only a problem where there is an antenna to pickup the EMP energy.  Even then, the energy picked up must be strong enough to do damage.  Sensitive microcircuits can be damaged with as little as a few microJoules of energy. 

In general (a broad generality) a device can take as much EMP energy as it normally operates at.  Even an AA battery stores 10 kJ, and can deliver 10 Watts for a short time.  

Stored batteries without any antennae shouldn't be susceptible to damage.

.

Anonymous · Answer

EMP (electro-magnetic pulse) will destroy anything with a circuit board. (Computers, cell-phones, etc.). The only way something can withstand an EMP is if it is rigged to withstand one. Simpler electronics such as a flash light will most likely not be affected by it. Get at me government.

H.C.Will · Answer

It is not the batteries that are destroyed by an electromagnetic pulse. It is the semiconductors that are affected.Transistors, IC's and diodes and such. If you carry a semiconductor in your hand and shuffle across a carpet on a cold, dry day, chances are you will destroy it with the static charge, but I doubt that would be the case with a battery

charly · Answer

I only vaguely know what EMP is--defining the acronym FIRST would help.

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Would an EMP destroy unprotected and ungrounded batteries? Would it damage them in any way?

4 Answers