What is a Battery? What You Need to Know About the Battery Operating Principle
<p>A battery is an energy storage device that stores electrical energy in the form of chemical energy and releases it in an electrical usable form. They can be produced using various chemical components and come in various types for different applications.</p> <p>Batteries typically work by undergoing chemical reactions between two electrodes (positive and negative) in an electrolyte medium. When charged, a chemical change occurs at the positive electrode while the opposite chemical change occurs at the negative electrode. This results in electrons flowing from one electrode's surface to the other, creating a current in the circuit. When discharged, this process reverses, and the battery's electrodes become rechargeable.</p> <p>The working principle of batteries is based on electrochemical reactions. Primary cells, also known as disposable batteries, are discarded after a single use. However, secondary cells (rechargeable batteries) can be used multiple times as they are rechargeable.</p> <p>Key features of batteries include capacity, voltage, charge-discharge cycle count, and safety, which determine whether a battery is suitable for a specific application.</p> <p>In recent years, significant advancements have been made in battery technology, leading to batteries with higher energy density, faster charge/discharge rates, and longer lifespan. These advancements have made battery technology more efficient and useful across various applications, from portable devices to electric vehicles.</p>