Carbon zinc batteries are also known as zinc-carbon batteries are low-cost alternatives to alkaline and lithium batteries and have a capacity that ranges from 20%-25% of alkaline batteries. Carbon zinc batteries are used to power small devices like remote controls, clocks, flashlights, tape recorders, and toys.  Alkaline batteries have a larger capacity and are more adaptable to high current discharge. Carbon zinc batteries are prone to leakages and have a shelf life of two to three years which is shorter than alkaline batteries.  They come in standard sizes  but the voltage levels of carbon zinc batteries fall sharply during discharge and they’re susceptible to hot and cold temperature extremes.