Not all batteries are the same
Electronics and small appliances use batteries to function, which come in two major categories. There are primary and secondary batteries, both of them being in high demand. Primary top selling batteries are those which can't be recharged, while the secondary ones are rechargeable. The charging process can take place multiple times.
Chemical reactions inside the battery
Alkaline batteries are probably the most popular type of primary batteries as well as top selling batteries, but a disposable battery can also contain mercury, zinc-carbon or silver-oxide. Rechargeable batteries contain lead-acid or lithium.
The chemical inside a battery determines its lifespan, thus, the way they can be used. A traditional alkaline battery, which gets its name from the potassium hydroxide it contains, can render 1.5V and 700mA. There are multiple shapes of these top selling batteries, yet the most popular ones are the cylindrical ones, in size AA and AAA.
Due to their long life, alkaline batteries are great for clocks, radios, digital cameras, MP3 players and gaming devices. The problem with these batteries is they are prone to leaks, which may damage the device, if you don't clean them right away.
Environmental temperature matters
The environmental temperature alters the way batteries work and how long they last. Zinc-carbon batteries are sensitive to low temperatures, so they are best used in warmer climates. Also, they render less than 1.5V, which makes them fit for low-consumption devices, such as remote controls and clocks. For more information check here.