How does a battery work?
First we have to understand what a battery is made from. A battery consists of a number of separate cells. Each cell contains two different plates. The plates are held fixed and separated from each other. They are surrounded (“wetted” or “soaked”) by a special chemical fluid or paste which conducts electricity. One plate is called the “positive” (“+ve”), the other is called the “negative” (“-ve”) . Every cell works because the plates react with the special chemical in such a way that an electrical current can be drawn off from the two terminals of the cell. As current is drawn from the cell its plates – and the special chemical in which the plates are immersed – all gradually change their chemical composition. The result is that, as current is drawn off, the charge stored in the cell is reduced. Another result is that the voltage given out by the cell drops.
A battery stores energy in chemicals form that can be released on demand as electricity. This electrical power is used by the cars ignition systems for cranking the engine. The car’s battery also may power the lights and other accessories. Should the alternator belt fail, the battery might also need to power the vehicle’s entire electrical system for a short period of time.
A battery is a device that produces electricity by changing chemical energy into electrical energy. A flashlight battery is made of zinc case containing a damp chemical paste and a carbon rod. The zinc and carbon are the poles of the battery. Chemical reaction creates an electrical difference between the poles. If the two are connected by a wire, current will flow from the pole with the higher electric charge to the pole with the lower charge. If a light bulb is connected into the circuit, the current will make it glow. Strictly speaking, the flashlight battery should be called a cell. A battery is several cells linked together. A lemon with two strips of different metals stuck into it is another example of an electric cell. A flashlight battery is a dry cell that has a limited life. The wet cell battery used in automobiles can be re-charged and used for years. Wet cell batteries contain liquid, usually acid. The chemical reactions occur more efficiently in liquid. Re-charging changes
