Description
In a tragic event, an eight-year-old girl lost her life in the Thrissur district of Kerala on Monday after the cell phone she was using to watch cartoons exploded. The police investigate the fact to determine the cause of the explosion. Here we describe the possible causes of mobile explosions along with warning indications so that users can avoid such a tragic incident. It is worth mentioning that most smartphones are extensively tested against these types of failures and such deadly bursts are exceptions.
While there are many potential causes for a phone to explode, the battery is often the culprit. Often used in mobile phones, lithium-ion batteries have a positive terminal, a negative terminal (cathode and anode), and an electrolyte that allows charges to move between the two electrodes.
A short circuit, which can occur if the battery is ruptured or punctured, diverts the electrolyte and allows ions to travel directly between the cathode and anode. As a result, the temperature and pressure inside the battery rises.
This can cause a chemical reaction in the electrolyte, release gases, and increase temperature and pressure buildup within the battery, which can lead to an explosion.
1. If you notice your phone battery expanding or swelling, that is a strong sign that something is wrong.
2. If your phone gets very hot when in use, especially while charging, this may indicate that the battery is overcharged.
3. If you hear hissing or clicking sounds coming from your phone, it could be a sign of a problem with the battery. This may be due to gas escaping from the battery.
4. If your phone turns off unexpectedly, especially if it happens frequently, it could be a sign that your battery is running low.
5. If your smartphone smells like something is burning, that's a sure sign that something bad is about to happen. (Don't hold the phone up to your face to feel it.)
If you spot any of these warning signs, you should stop using your phone immediately and have it repaired.
