hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is replacing the battery in a slim…
A technician is replacing the battery in a slim laptop where the battery is glued inside the chassis. After removing the bottom cover, the technician sees the battery is firmly attached with adhesive. What is the safest method to remove the battery without damaging the laptop?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates think heat is safe because it works for other adhesives, but CompTIA tests the specific danger of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, making heat a hazardous choice.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Apply isopropyl alcohol around the battery edges to weaken the adhesive, then gently pry with a plastic spudger.
Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) safely weakens the adhesive bond without damaging the battery or surrounding components. Using a plastic spudger to gently pry after applying alcohol minimizes the risk of puncturing the lithium-ion battery, which could cause a fire or chemical leak. This method is the industry-recommended approach for glued-in batteries in slim laptops.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the battery out forcefully.
Why it's wrong here
Using a flathead screwdriver forcefully is extremely dangerous when replacing a lithium-ion battery. Metal tools can easily puncture the battery's casing, leading to an internal short circuit. This can cause the battery to rapidly overheat, swell, catch fire, or even explode, releasing toxic chemicals and posing severe risks of injury or property damage.
- ✓
Apply isopropyl alcohol around the battery edges to weaken the adhesive, then gently pry with a plastic spudger.
Why this is correct
Applying isopropyl alcohol around the battery edges is the correct and safest method to weaken the adhesive without damaging the battery or surrounding components. Isopropyl alcohol effectively dissolves common electronic adhesives and evaporates quickly, leaving no residue. Following this, a plastic spudger provides the necessary leverage to gently pry the battery, preventing accidental punctures or short circuits that metal tools could cause.
- ✗
Heat the battery with a heat gun to soften the adhesive.
Why it's wrong here
Heating the battery with a heat gun is a hazardous practice that can lead to catastrophic failure. Lithium-ion batteries are highly sensitive to excessive heat, which can cause internal chemical reactions to accelerate, leading to thermal runaway, swelling, venting of flammable gases, or even explosion. A heat gun's intense, uncontrolled heat is far too aggressive and risks irreversible damage to the battery and the device's delicate internal components.
- ✗
Use a suction cup to pull the battery straight up.
Why it's wrong here
Using a suction cup to pull a glued-in battery is largely ineffective and can be damaging. Suction cups primarily apply perpendicular force, which is insufficient to break strong adhesive bonds that require shear force or chemical dissolution. Attempting to pull forcefully with a suction cup can deform the battery casing, potentially damaging internal cells, or detach the battery's internal components without releasing the adhesive.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.