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Although this is an
experimental project, here are some of the basics about batteries. It will
help you to understand this site. After reading this page,
take the quiz to test your knowledge.
Navigation: Basic Info, Different metals, Prices, Diagram, Quiz |
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source: http://www.qrg.northwestern.edu/projects/ vss/docs/Power/2-how-do-batteries-work.html |
Batteries are a portable source of electricity. They are used in many ways. Some are disposable, others are rechargeable. They can be used in many different electrical devices, for example: boats, cars, watches, cordless telephones and Mp3 players. A battery has a positive and a negative electrode. The positive electrode is called a cathode, and the negative electrode is called an anode. In batteries, each electrode contains a different metal. In an alkaline battery, the anode metal is manganese dioxide and the metal in the cathode is zinc. For the anode and cathode in other batteries look at the table below. To separate the anode from the cathode there is an electrolyte. The negative electrons want to get to the cathode but the electrolyte blocks the way. To power a light, for example, the electrons go though a circuit, powers the light and arrives at the positive end (cathode) of the battery. (view diagram) |
The positive and negative metal in batteries:
| Battery | Alkaline | Lithium | Heavy Duty | Nickel Cadmium | Nickel metal hydride |
| Anode | manganese dioxide | manganese dioxide | zinc | nickel | nickel |
| Cathode | zinc | lithium | carbon | cadmium | titanium |
The
prices of
the batteries:
| What battery? | Alkaline | Lithium | Heavy Duty | Nickel Cadmium | Nickel Metal Hydride |
| Price for 2 AAs | $2.49 | $11.99 | $1.99 | $7.99* | $9.99* |
| Rechargeable? | NO | NO | NO | YES | YES |
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*not including the price of a charger ($30) |
Diagram of how a dry cell battery works:
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The diagram is from Encarta encyclopedia 2005. Under permission. |
Would you like to test
your knowledge?
Circuit diagram (above)