easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1102 Practice Question: A customer reports that their laptop battery is…
A customer reports that their laptop battery is swelling and the case is cracking. They ask if it's safe to continue using it plugged in. What should the technician advise?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that a swollen battery is safe to use if kept plugged in or if the battery is removed, when in fact any continued use or physical handling of a swollen battery poses immediate fire and chemical hazard risks.
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
✓
Shut down the laptop immediately, disconnect the battery if safely possible, and replace the battery as soon as possible.
A swelling lithium-ion battery indicates internal chemical breakdown and gas generation, which can lead to thermal runaway, fire, or explosion. The immediate risk is physical rupture of the battery casing and potential short-circuiting. The correct action is to shut down the laptop, disconnect the battery if it can be done safely without puncturing it, and replace it as soon as possible to eliminate the hazard.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
It's fine to keep using it plugged in as long as the battery is removed.
Why it's wrong here
Removing the battery may not be safe if the swelling has deformed the case; also, many modern laptops require the battery to be installed for operation. The immediate priority is to stop using the device.
- ✗
Continue using it but only on battery power to avoid overheating the charger.
Why it's wrong here
A swollen lithium-ion battery indicates internal damage, often due to gas buildup from electrolyte decomposition. Continuing to use it, even on battery power, maintains electrical current flow and heat generation, significantly increasing the risk of thermal runaway, fire, or explosion. The battery's compromised state makes any further operation extremely dangerous, regardless of whether it's charging or discharging.
- ✓
Shut down the laptop immediately, disconnect the battery if safely possible, and replace the battery as soon as possible.
Why this is correct
This is the correct and safest course of action. Immediately shutting down the laptop removes power from the compromised battery, mitigating further heat generation and reducing the risk of thermal runaway. Disconnecting the battery, if it can be done without force or further damage, isolates the hazard. The swollen battery must then be replaced and disposed of properly as hazardous electronic waste.
- ✗
Place the laptop in a freezer to reduce swelling, then continue using it.
Why it's wrong here
Placing a lithium-ion battery in a freezer is extremely dangerous and can exacerbate the problem. Extreme cold can cause condensation inside the battery, leading to internal short circuits, and can also damage the delicate internal chemistry and structure. This action significantly increases the risk of fire or explosion upon subsequent use or charging, rather than safely resolving the swelling.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1202 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 220-1202 exam.