What effect does heavy discharge current have on battery efficiency?

Heavy discharge current negatively impacts battery efficiency because it can lead to several adverse effects. When a battery is subjected to a high rate of discharge, it may not be able to provide the desired output effectively due to increased internal resistance and chemical reactions. This scenario results in a higher energy loss as heat, reducing the overall amount of usable energy extracted from the battery.

In addition, rapid discharging can cause polarization on the electrodes, which further decreases the effective capacity of the battery, leading to a reduction in the output voltage. The higher the discharge rate, the more significant these effects become, thus causing a decrease in the overall efficiency of the battery during operation.

In contrast, options that suggest an increase in efficiency or no effect do not take into account the science behind electrochemical processes in batteries under heavy load conditions. Moreover, the idea of increased battery life is generally incompatible with heavy discharge rates, as stress on the battery can accelerate wear and tear, thereby shortening its lifespan.