Chapter 6: Problem 48

What is a battery?

Short Answer

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Answer: A battery's main components include an electrolyte, two electrodes - the cathode (positive terminal) and the anode (negative terminal), and a separator. When connected to an external circuit, a chemical reaction between the electrodes and the electrolyte occurs, allowing positively charged ions to flow from the anode to the cathode through the electrolyte. Meanwhile, negatively charged electrons flow from the anode to the cathode via the external circuit, generating the electric current that powers connected devices.

Step by step solution

Definition of a Battery

A battery is a device that stores electrical energy in the form of chemical energy and converts that stored energy into electricity when needed. Batteries consist of one or more electrochemical cells, which are the basic units responsible for producing the electrical current.

Components of a Battery

A typical battery consists of the following main components: 1. An electrolyte, which is a chemical medium that allows the flow of electric charge between the cathode and anode. 2. Two electrodes, the cathode (positive terminal) and the anode (negative terminal), which are responsible for producing the electrical current. 3. A separator, which physically separates the two electrodes, preventing a short circuit.

How a Battery Works

When a battery is connected to an external electric circuit, a chemical reaction takes place at the electrodes, involving the electrolyte. This reaction causes positively charged ions to flow from the anode to the cathode through the electrolyte, while negatively charged electrons are transferred from the anode to the cathode through the external circuit. This flow of electrons through the external circuit is the electric current that powers the devices connected to the battery. This process continues until the reactants in the battery are depleted, making the battery incapable of producing more electricity.

Types of Batteries

Batteries can be categorized into two main types based on their rechargeability: 1. Primary batteries: These batteries are disposable and not rechargeable. Once the chemical reactions inside them are exhausted, they can no longer provide electrical energy. Examples include alkaline batteries and zinc-carbon batteries. 2. Secondary batteries: These batteries are rechargeable, meaning they can be used multiple times by recharging them once the chemical reactions inside are exhausted. Examples include lithium-ion batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, and lead-acid batteries.

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What is a battery?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Definition of a Battery

Components of a Battery

How a Battery Works

Types of Batteries

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