That is clearly not so, since most of them have 1.5v, its only rechargeable
nicad or nimh that have 1.2v.

The normal way I test batteries is with a load, If you blip a reasonable
load on a good battery, no change in volts, on a partly dead one there is a
drop, as the area used is smaller, ie it cannot shove out the same current
as its electrodes get coated. Most alkaline if used a little, charged a
little etc can last a surprisingly long time before the system cannot hold
the charge. Beware though as the seals can go with the pressure inside if
you get too greedy.
Brian

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Brian Gaff -

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"Scott" wrote in message
...
My multimeter has a battery test facility that shows the battery as
good or bad (or on the margin). I understand a zinc carbon battery
has a voltage of 1.5 Volts and an alkaline battery has a voltage of
1.2 Volts? How does it know the difference between a very good
alkaline battery and a very bad zinc carbon battery?.