Batteries

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Battery Noun

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[bat-uh-ree]

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Battery

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One or more voltaic cells contained in a single package that generates an electric current through chemical reactions.

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Example: This diagram shows a battery connected in a simple circuit, providing the electrical energy needed to power a light bulb.

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Primary Battery Noun

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[prahy-mer-ee bat-uh-ree]

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Primary Battery

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A type of battery that produces energy from redox reactions that are not easily reversed and can only be used once.

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Example: This diagram shows a primary battery connected in a simple circuit, causing a light bulb to glow by converting stored chemical energy into electrical energy.

Front

Secondary Battery Noun

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[sek-uhn-der-ee bat-uh-ree]

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Secondary Battery

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A rechargeable battery that depends on reversible redox reactions, allowing it to be used multiple times after recharging.

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Example: This diagram shows a secondary battery's key feature: it is rechargeable. The arrows show current flowing out during 'Discharge' and flowing in during 'Charge'.

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Dry Cell Noun

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[drahy sel]

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Dry Cell

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An electrochemical cell in which the electrolyte is a moist paste rather than a liquid solution.

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Example: This diagram shows a dry cell's cross-section with its anode, cathode, and paste. It illustrates how chemical reactions create an electron flow to power a light bulb.

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Anode Noun

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[an-ohd]

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Anode

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The electrode in an electrochemical cell where the oxidation half-reaction occurs, releasing electrons into the external circuit.

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Example: In a battery, the anode is the negative electrode where oxidation occurs, releasing electrons that flow through the circuit to create an electric current.

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Cathode Noun

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[kath-ohd]

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Cathode

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The electrode in an electrochemical cell where the reduction half-reaction occurs, consuming electrons from the external circuit.

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Example: In this electrolysis setup, the cathode is the negative electrode connected to the battery, where hydrogen gas is formed as a result of a chemical reaction.

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Inactive Cathode Noun

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[in-ak-tiv kath-ohd]

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Inactive Cathode

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A cathode that serves to conduct electrons but does not directly participate in the redox reaction itself.

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Example: In an electrolytic cell, the inactive cathode is the negative electrode that attracts positive ions (cations) but does not chemically react itself.

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Alkaline Battery Noun

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[al-kuh-lahyn bat-uh-ree]

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Alkaline Battery

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An efficient type of dry cell that uses a powdered zinc anode and a potassium hydroxide (alkaline) paste.

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Example: This cross-section diagram shows the main internal parts of an alkaline battery, including the positive and negative terminals, anode, cathode, and separator.

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Silver Battery Noun

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[sil-ver bat-uh-ree]

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Silver Battery

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A small battery, similar to an alkaline battery, that uses silver oxide in the cathode for power.

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Example: This image shows the external appearance and a labeled cutaway diagram of a silver battery, identifying the positive (silver oxide) and negative (zinc) electrodes.

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Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) Battery Noun

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[nik-uhl kad-mee-uhm bat-uh-ree]

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Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) Battery

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A type of rechargeable storage battery that uses cadmium for the anode and a nickel compound for the cathode.

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Example: This diagram shows the inside of a battery, revealing the positive and negative electrodes separated by a thin layer, all rolled up like a jelly-roll.