___ refers to the stored energy lost over time even when a battery is not in use.

• A. Self-discharge
• B. Auto-discharge
• C. Internal discharge
• D. External discharge

Answer: (A)

Stored energy lost over time even when a battery isn't in use is called self-discharge. This occurs because internal chemical reactions inside the battery slowly consume charge even with no external load, and tiny imperfections in the electrodes and electrolyte allow a gradual leakage of energy. The rate of self-discharge depends on the battery chemistry and rises with temperature, so warmer storage speeds up the loss. While some casual terms may be used in different contexts, the standard term for this inherent, idle energy drain is self-discharge.