This test works equally well for AA, AAA, C, D and 9 Volt alkaline batteries. http://leehite.org/

Batteries are regularly frozen when left outdoors in the winter. If a good alkalin battery is frozen, the electrolyte will stiffen sufficiently to cause a bounce. This is a room temperature test only.

It is our understanding that the following chemical reactions occur and helps to explain our observations.

A non-rechargeable alkaline battery begins life using zinc powder mixed into a gel containing a potassium hydroxide electrolyte separated from a paste of manganese dioxide powder mixed with carbon powder using a porous membrane. To minimize hydrogen out-gassing an extra measure of manganese dioxide is added. As the battery discharges manganese dioxide powder changes to manganese oxide causing the powdered granules to bond both chemically and physically. This packed-sand consistency reduces the anti-bounce effect exhibited by the gel mixture when the battery was fully charged.