Similarly, for batteries to work, electricity must be converted into a chemical potential form before it can be readily stored. Batteries consist of two electrical terminals called the cathode and the anode, separated by a chemical material called an electrolyte. To accept and release energy, a battery is coupled to an external circuit.
Some are used in batteries because they react with the metals in a cell, producing electricity. Acids and alkalis can be dangerous. when the electrodes are connected a circuit is made. A chemical reaction causes electricity to from from one metal to the other and back through the electrolyte. (chemical energy is converted to electrical energy)
Usually a battery is made up of cells. The cell is what converts the chemical energy into electrical energy. A simple cell contains two different metals (electrodes) separated by a liquid or paste called an electrolyte. When the metals are connected by wires an electrical circuit is completed. One metal is more reactive than the other.
The terminals of the individual cells are connected together by link connectors as shown in figure 2-9. The cells are connected in series in the battery and the positive terminal of one end cell becomes the positive terminal of the battery. The negative terminal of the opposite end cell becomes the negative terminal of the battery.
By now, you should have an understanding of how batteries were invented and how they work. Batteries are one method of providing electric energy to your project, and they can be incredibly useful if you need a portable power source. If you would like to more about batteries, here are some other tutorials:
In order to increase the voltage between a battery's terminals, you can place the cells in series. Series means stacking the cells end-to-end, connecting the anode of one to the cathode of the next. By connecting batteries in series, you increase the total voltage. Add the voltage of all the cells to determine the operating voltage.