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In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements:
I. Cobalt
II. Graphite
III. Lithium
IV. Nickel
How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes?

(a)

Only one

(b)

Only two

(c)

Only three

(d)

All the four

Correct Answer

(c)

Explanation

To determine how many of the listed elements usually make up battery cathodes in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, let’s break down the role of each:

I. Cobalt
Used in cathodes

Common in lithium-ion batteries (especially in NMC: Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt and NCA: Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum chemistries).

II. Graphite
❌ Not used in cathodes

Graphite is primarily used in anodes, not cathodes.

III. Lithium
Used in cathodes

Lithium is a fundamental part of lithium-ion batteries, commonly present in the cathode material (e.g., lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate).

IV. Nickel
Used in cathodes

Nickel is used to improve energy density in cathodes, such as in NMC and NCA types.

Final Assessment:
Cobalt – Cathode ✔

Graphite – Anode ✘

Lithium – Cathode ✔

Nickel – Cathode ✔

Correct count of elements used in cathodes: 3