How Batteries Work
Batteries convert Chemical Energy into Electrical Energy.
1. The Voltaic Cell (The First Battery)
Invented by Alessandro Volta, inspired by Galvani’s frog leg experiments.
- Components:
- Electrodes: Two different metal plates (e.g., Copper and Zinc).
- Electrolyte: A liquid that conducts electricity (e.g., Salt solution or Lemon juice).
- Working: A chemical reaction between the metals and the liquid pushes electrons from one plate to the other, creating current.
DIY Lemon Battery: You can make a simple cell using a lemon, a copper strip, and an iron nail. The lemon juice acts as the electrolyte!
2. The Dry Cell (Common Battery)
The batteries we use in remotes and clocks are “Dry Cells”.
- Why “Dry”? The electrolyte is a moist paste (Ammonium chloride), not a liquid that can spill.
- Structure:
- Container: Zinc (Negative Terminal).
- Center Rod: Carbon (Positive Terminal).
- Electrolyte: Paste surrounding the rod.
3. Rechargeable Batteries
Standard dry cells are single-use. Rechargeable batteries (like Lithium-ion in phones) can reverse the chemical reaction when plugged into power, allowing them to be reused hundreds of times.
Note
Future Tech: Scientists are developing Solid-state batteries that are safer and last longer than current Lithium-ion batteries.