How long can a 12-volt, 1 Amp hour battery power an alarm system that requires 0.5 Amps?

To determine how long a 12-volt, 1 Amp hour battery can power an alarm system that requires 0.5 Amps, it's important to understand the relationship between current, capacity, and time.

A battery rated with 1 Amp hour means it can provide 1 Amp of current for 1 hour before it is depleted. If the alarm system draws 0.5 Amps, then you can calculate the runtime by dividing the battery's total capacity (in Amp hours) by the current draw:

1 Amp hour / 0.5 Amps = 2 hours.

This calculation shows that the battery can indeed power the alarm system for 2 hours. Therefore, the answer is correct, as the 12-volt, 1 Amp hour battery would be able to maintain the required current level for that duration. This demonstrates a basic principle of electric circuits where capacity and load determine operational time.

Understanding this concept is crucial in selecting appropriate battery sizes for various devices, especially in security systems where reliable power supply is essential.