The modern battery is a ubiquitous device that traces its origin to the waning days of the 19th century. Count Alessandro Volta, an Italian physicist, developed an efficient method for a battery to generate electricity.

While there are many types of batteries, they all convert chemical energy into a source of usable electrical energy. A battery is used to supply power for a wide range of electric-powered devices and equipment, such as vehicles, MP3 players, flashlights, cell phones and cameras. A battery makes electric starters feasible for combustion engines in automobiles, motorcycles and boats. Today’s batteries operate under the same principle discovered by Count Volta known as the voltaic pile, which was named in his honor.

Basic Internal Structure of a Battery

One side of the battery has a positive terminal connected to a positively charged electrode called the cathode. The other side is the negative electrode, or anode. The two electrodes consist of different metals, such as zinc and copper, which are surrounded by an electrolyte. This material can be a gel, liquid solution or an extremely low-moisture material. These internal battery components are usually housed in a single metal or plastic container.

Flow of Electricity

When you insert a battery into a device and turn it on, a reaction known as oxidation is triggered. The reaction enables the anode to collect electrons from the electrolyte. At the same time, the cathode loses electrons as it experiences a reaction known as reduction. The electrolyte promotes the passage of electrons from one electrode to another while preventing the electrons from flowing in the other direction. The result is that one electrode is highly charged, but the other is not. The imbalance of electrons is equalized when a wire is attached to the battery that connects the two electrodes.

The electrons will flow from the highly charged negative terminal to the undercharged positive side of the battery through the connection. This flow of these electrons produces electricity, which is used to power a device or equipment. As long as the electrodes are able to exchange electrons, the battery will continue to produce power. When the connection is broken by turning off the equipment or device, the battery no longer generates electricity.

Why Batteries Fail

Over time, the internal chemical reactions impede the flow of electrons. Eventually, the battery’s internal components deteriorate.

Recharging a Battery

When you recharge a battery from an external source, the flow of energy is reversed. This enables the battery to supply power again. A rechargeable battery has a limited number of charges because this chemical reaction also alters the molecular makeup of the two electrodes. As a result, rechargeable batteries lose their capacity to take and hold a charge. Improper charging techniques can reduce a battery’s capacity as well.

Advances in battery technology have enabled manufacturers to produce batteries that charge faster and last longer. Contact your local battery retailer for more information and assistance locating the right battery for your devices and equipment.