Editing Memory effect (section)

====Deep discharge====
Some rechargeable batteries can be damaged by repeated deep discharge. Batteries are composed of multiple similar, but not identical, cells. Each cell has its own charge capacity. As the battery as a whole is being deeply discharged, the cell with the smallest capacity may reach zero charge and will "reverse charge" as the other cells continue to force current through it.  The resulting loss of capacity is often ascribed to the memory effect.

Battery users may attempt to avoid the memory effect proper by fully discharging their battery packs. This practice is likely to cause more damage as one of the cells will be deep discharged. The damage is focused on the weakest cell, so that each additional full discharge will cause more and more damage to that cell. Repeated deep discharges can exacerbate the degradation of the weakest cell, leading to an imbalance in the battery pack, where the affected cell becomes a limiting factor in overall performance. Over time, this imbalance can result in reduced capacity, shorter run times, and the potential for overcharging or overheating of the other cells, further compromising the battery's safety and longevity.