How long can a dry cell battery be stored under proper conditions?

A dry cell battery can typically be stored under proper conditions for about 5 years without significant degradation of performance. This timeframe can vary based on the battery's chemistry, manufacturing quality, and the conditions under which it is stored (such as temperature and humidity).

When batteries are stored in a cool, dry place, this helps to minimize the self-discharge rate, allowing them to maintain their charge over time. It's important to check for manufacturer recommendations, as some may specify different storage durations based on their specific formulations and designs. Therefore, while the answer suggesting a storage life of 2 years may seem reasonable, it's essential to recognize that many dry cell batteries, under optimal conditions, can last around 5 years before their performance might noticeably decline.

In contrast, the options indicating 1 year, 10 years, or even 2 years might not fully represent the typical longevity of modern dry cell batteries when stored properly.