Question 94Electricity & Electronics - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is D) accumulation of sediment within the cells due to excessive overcharging and discharging. This is correct because excessive overcharging and discharging of a lead-acid battery can cause the active material on the battery plates to break down and accumulate as sediment in the bottom of the battery cells. This buildup of sediment can physically short-circuit the plates, preventing the battery from holding a full charge. The other options are incorrect because they do not directly cause the plates to short out internally. Lime accumulation, dirty terminals, and sulfation are all issues that can impact battery performance, but they do not physically interfere with the internal plates the way sediment buildup can.