Can i ask a really stupid question about batteries and voltages?

[JuniorNA]

I'm going to ask a very stupid question, but its a valid question because it doesnt make sense really.

Why is it that, 2 CR123 batteries at 3v each = 6v

but yet, 2 14500 3.7 batteries = 5v ? Shouldnt it be 7.4 v if you're doubling batteries like you do with the CR123?

but yet, everyone with a 5v box has 2 14500 batteries inside them? I'm sorry, i just don't understand why cr123 add up to 6, but two of 14500 3.7v = 5v ?

 

[Drozd]

they put a regulator in the 5V box to bring it down to 5V

realisticly though 3.7V batteries charge to 4.2V peak...
and the 3V cr123s charge to like 3.4V..

so they start off higher initially and drop to that voltage nominally...

the 5V boxes take that 7.4V and regulate it down to 5V so it's more consistant for a longer time

 

[Rocketman]

and soon, willyb will come in and tell you those CR123's are only 5.2 volts when loaded with a joye atty

 

[stouchon]

and soon, willyb will come in and tell you those CR123's are only 5.2 volts when loaded with a joye atty

Where is the +1 button?

 

[duby]

I'd +1 that.

 

[WillyB]

and soon, willyb will come in and tell you those CR123's are only 5.2 volts when loaded with a joye atty

As they also do with a standard DSE 901.