Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): battery on lawn tractor, lawn tractor, chemical energy

Question
Hi Tim,
I just bought a new battery for my lawn tractor---  and all of a sudden it has gone dead! I had to jump it with my truck yesterday to mow my lawn. Any ideas what might be wrong? Thanks so much for your help.

Answer
Hello Joe,when a battery is placed in a closed circuit, such as when the starter is being operated, a surplus of electrons at the neagtive post will flow to the postive post. An electric current is produced by converting chemical energy into electricity. As the current flows, the battery starts discharging. Put some electrolytes in the battery;if that is not the problem then it is your plates, each plate contains two volts per cell.