Which of the following impacts the actual ampere-hour output of a battery during discharge?

The actual ampere-hour output of a battery during discharge is significantly influenced by the rate at which it is discharged. As a battery discharges, the current drawn affects its ability to deliver power. If the discharge rate is high, internal resistance within the battery can lead to a reduced capacity, resulting in a lower ampere-hour output than what the battery's capacity rating might suggest.

Conversely, discharging the battery at a lower rate generally allows it to maintain its capacity longer, thus providing a more accurate representation of its rated ampere-hour output. This relationship is essential for understanding battery performance in practical usage scenarios, as it directly affects how long a battery can effectively supply power before needing to be recharged.

While battery capacity ratings and types, as well as environmental conditions, play a role in overall performance, the discharge rate is a primary factor that impacts the actual usable capacity during a given discharge cycle.