How Is It Possible for a Laptop to Explode? (original) (raw)
Laptops and other mobile devices can explode in rare circumstances because of battery problems.Getty
The story about the exploding laptop is not an urban legend; it happens, but it's statistically unlikely it will. Essentially, the laptop's battery overheats to the point where a component reaches its ignition point. It isn't an explosion like a large bomb, but it starts a fire and can cause serious harm to a person using the device. Several manufacturers have recalled millions of batteries because of potential explosions caused by manufacturing defects.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
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Lithium is used in rechargeable batteries because it is the lightest of all metals and has the highest energy density by weight, according to Battery University. Lithum-ion batteries are popular with mobile devices including laptops and cellular phones because they contribute less weight to the device and can hold the optimal amount of energy for longer battery life. According to Apple, lithium-ion batteries are able to charge to 80 percent capacity in about two hours and charge the remaining 20 percent in another two hours. Lithium is able to store a substantial charge quickly, but slows down as the charging process continues.
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Cause for Explosion
Laptop batteries can ignite under rare conditions.Getty
Laptop batteries can explode because of a normal-use process called thermal runaway, according to Gizmodo. Thermal runaway can lead to an explosion when there is a problem that's causing the battery to produce more heat than it can handle. Lithium-ion batteries can be damaged by excessive storage heat of over 60 degrees Celsius, overcharging, manufacturing defects, and product tampering. The explosion occurs when the battery is subjected to substantial overheating, though the battery will typically rupture as opposed to igniting. Exposure to a spark can increase the chances of the battery exploding. The cobalt oxide found in the battery can be responsible for most of the thermal runaway, according to PC Magazine.
Preventing Catastrophe
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There are two things you can do to decrease your laptop battery's chances of exploding. PC World recommends replacing your lithium-ion batteries after two to three years of use. The aging components begin to break down and may start producing additional thermal runaway. Battery life also may drop considerably after two to three years of use. PC World also suggests avoiding storing your laptop in a car trunk or any place that can reach a temperature of over 60 degrees Celsius.
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Notable Recall
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Sony recalled over 9.6 million lithumn-ion batteries in 2006 in what PC Magazine calls one of the biggest Tech PR Disasters of all time. Over four million of the recalled batteries were found in Dell laptops. Two high-profile cases of Dell laptops exploding in Japan and the United States led to the recall, according to PC Magazine. Gizmodo reported that the incident in Japan was at a public conference and onlookers saw several small explosions over five minutes. Around 1.8 million of the recalled batteries were in Apple laptops. Apple initiated a recall after nine reports of overheating, two of which involved minor burns, according to PC Magazine.
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