D-cell batteries C-cell batteries

[DavidMavid]

Hello:

I teach science and have been asked: Why are D-cell batteries called D-cell and why are C- cell batteries called C-cell? Are there any B-cell batteries out there?
When did this terminology initiate and what does it signify?
Thank you
David

 

[ouxly40]

You are right on track. There are still some B cells around but they have been discontinued. I still get a chuckle every now and then by getting out some very old catalogs and looking.Yes, the letter designates the physical size if a 1.5v (which means 1 cell) battery.