Zinc vs. Alkaline — What's the Difference?

Environmental considerations.

High energy density.

Simple battery form.

Widely used.

Low energy density.

More costly.

Cost-effective solution.

Long-lasting performance.

Limited lifespan.

Stable voltage output.

Zinc is a chemical element with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. Zinc is a slightly brittle metal at room temperature and has a silvery-greyish appearance when oxidation is removed.

Of, relating to, or containing an alkali.

A bluish-white, lustrous metallic element that is brittle at room temperature but malleable with heating. It is used to form a wide variety of alloys including brass, bronze, various solders, and nickel silver, in galvanizing iron and other metals, for electric fuses, anodes, meter cases and batteries, and in roofing, gutters, and various household objects. US pennies minted after 1982 consist of a copper-clad zinc core. Atomic number 30; atomic weight 65.38; melting point 419.53°C; boiling point 907°C; specific gravity 7.134 (at 25°C); valence 2. See Periodic Table.

Having a pH greater than 7.

To coat or treat with zinc; galvanize.

Having a relatively low concentration of hydrogen ions.

A chemical element (symbol Zn) with an atomic number of 30, a slightly brittle blue-silvery metal.

Of or relating to a common disposable battery made of zinc and manganese dioxide.

(countable) A single atom of this element.

Of, or relating to an alkali, one of a class of caustic bases.

(Nigeria) A corrugated iron roof.

(chemistry) Having a pH greater than 7.

A zinc countertop.

An alkaline battery.

(rare) To electroplate with zinc.

Of or pertaining to an alkali or to alkalies; having the properties of an alkali.

(rare) To coat with sunblock incorporating zinc oxide.

Relating to or containing an alkali; having a pH greater than 7;

An abundant element of the magnesium-cadmium group, extracted principally from the minerals zinc blende, smithsonite, calamine, and franklinite, as an easily fusible bluish white metal, which is malleable, especially when heated. It is not easily oxidized in moist air, and hence is used for sheeting, coating galvanized iron, etc. It is used in making brass, britannia, and other alloys, and is also largely consumed in electric batteries. Symbol Zn. Atomic number 30. Atomic weight 65.38.

To coat with zinc; to galvanize.

A bluish-white lustrous metallic element; brittle at ordinary temperatures but malleable when heated; used in a wide variety of alloys and in galvanizing iron; it occurs as zinc sulphide in zinc blende

Zinc batteries are cheaper and suited for low-drain devices, whereas alkaline batteries offer higher energy density and stability for high-drain devices.

Alkaline batteries generally provide better performance and longer life, making them a preferable choice for most high-drain devices.

Both types can be harmful if not disposed of properly due to the heavy metals and chemicals they contain.

Cost considerations or lower power needs of a device might lead someone to opt for the more economical zinc battery.

Alkaline batteries typically last longer than zinc batteries, especially in devices that require more power.

Both should be recycled or disposed of according to local environmental regulations to minimize harm.

While they can often be used interchangeably in devices, performance and lifespan will vary depending on the device's power requirements.

Both types typically offer similar initial voltages, but alkaline batteries maintain their voltage better over time.

Their ability to maintain a consistent voltage and higher energy density makes them suitable for devices that require more power.

Alkaline batteries come in both disposable and rechargeable forms, while zinc batteries are usually only available as disposable.