Functioning of batteries (Essay) - 275 Words

Functioning of batteries. Chemical energy to electrical energy (Essay Sample) Content: Functioning of batteries(Name)(Course)(Institution)(Tutor)(Date)BatteriesChemical energy to electrical energyGeneral overviewBatteries are devices that are made of one or more electrochemical cells. The cells carry out the function of converting stored chemical energy into electrical energy. In an overview, a battery has two terminals, a positive and a negative terminal. The positive terminal is referred to as cathode while the negative terminal is referred to as anode. Electrolytes are responsible for current flow. They create a medium of ion transfer between the electrodes and the terminals. This allows the current to flow outside the battery in order to carry out the intended chore (Linden on the other hand, voltage is defined as the amount of current present in a circuit and flows within that circuit in a given period (Kang & Ceder, 2009: 12).The anode is separated from the cathode by the electrolyte. The electrolyte allows the flow of current between the two. Wh en the batteries are put in a complete circuit, there is a chemical reaction emitted as an end reaction on the electrodes. The chemical energy develops a flow of electrical energy to the device completing the circuit. During this activity, the battery undergoes a discharge function. The chemical reacting on the anode phase generate electrons that are developed on the cathode and forms ions in the electrolyte (David & Thomas, 2004: 17).This process is referred to as oxidation reaction. On the other side, the cathode accepts electrons marking the completion of the circuit for electrons flow. The electrode acts as a unitary module for the chemicals from the anode and cathode. The reaction obtained is conversion of chemical energy to electrical energy. The reactions happen simultaneously. During the reactions, ions transport current via the electrolyte while electrons flow in the external circuit. This process leads to electric current generation (David & Thomas, 2004: 17).For disposabl e batteries, the reaction will take place until the reactants making the cell are consumed to exhaustion. In such batteries, the reaction only flow in one direction. For rechargeable batteries, the reaction runs in two directions. Energy can be changed from chemical form to electrical form and vice versa (Rich, 1994: 32).Compare and contrast the following battery technologies: Carbon-zincLead-acidAlkaline (a) carbon-zincA zinc-carbon battery is a battery that is made in a zinc can that serves as the outer container and negative terminal. The positive terminal is made of a carbon rod. The rod is covered by manganese dioxide and carbon powder mixture. The electrolyte used is a mixture of chloride and ammonium chloride dissolved in water. Zinc-chloride batteries belong to the group of primary batteries. They are also dry cells. They have a low energy density....