Question

Explain the main components of a battery and how electricity is produced

Answer 1

Batteries are made up of three basic components: an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte.

A separator is often used to prevent the anode and cathode from touching, if the electrolyte is not sufficient. In order to store these components, batteries usually have some kind of casing.

cathode

Electrons flow into the cathode in a device connected to a circuit. This means that conventional “current” flows out from a cathode.In batteries, the chemical reaction in or around the cathode uses the electrons produced in the anode.

anode

Electrons flow out from the anode in a device connected to a circuit. This means that conventional “current” flows into an anode.

In a battery, the chemical reaction between the anode and electrolyte causes a build up of electrons in the anode.

electrolyte

The electrolyte is the substance, often a liquid or gel, that is capable of transporting ions between the chemical reactions that happen at the anode and cathode. The electrolyte also inhibits the flow of electrons between the anode and cathode so that the electrons more easily flow through the external circuit rather than through the electrolyte.

how electricity is produced in battery

The chemical reactions in the battery causes a build up of electrons at the anode. This results in an electrical difference between the anode and the cathode. You can think of this difference as an unstable build-up of the electrons. Electrons repel each other and try to go to a place with fewer electrons.

In a battery, the only place to go is to the cathode. But, the electrolyte keeps the electrons from going straight from the anode to the cathode within the battery. When the circuit is closed (a wire connects the cathode and the anode) the electrons will be able to get to the cathode.