GSM Phone Maintenance and Repair Paper 2, WASSCE (SC), 2021

Question 2

 

(a)   (i) What is meant by the term battery life span?

(ii) State two effects of a weak battery on a mobile phone
(iii) Give two methods of reviving a dead mobile phone battery

 

(b) List four activities that violate safety in a mobile phone workshop.

 

Most candidates attempted this question, but the performance was just average. Many candidates could not differentiate between battery life and battery life span. Other questions on battery, were also poorly attended to.This showed lack of sufficient knowledge on the battery as a component of the mobile phone. 

 

Observation

The expected answers are:


(a)       (i)     Battery life span is the total number of charge cycles a rechargeable battery will 
last before battery life degrades to 80% of its original fully charged capacity.

               (ii)    Effects of a weak battery on a mobile phone
The phone may:

  • not power/turn ON;
  • not be able to run some/several applications easily;
  • reboot/restart intermittently while in use;
  • shutdown/switch off unexpectedly;
  • get too hot/overheat.

                                                                      
(iii)      Methods of reviving a dead mobile phone battery
By:

  • boosting with a booster / eliminator;
  • jump-starting with a 9V battery;
  • charging with a sub-charging machine;
  • freezing with a freezer for minimum of 12 hours.

    (b)    Activities that violate safety in a mobile phone workshop

  • Playing / running in the workshop
  • Using damaged / faulty equipment / tools
  • Keeping surrounding untidy / wet
  • Not wearing / using recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working
  • Using of inappropriate equipment / tools
  • Placing of equipment / tools in an inappropriate position / location
  • Touching of heated equipment / tool to feel its degree of hotness