Science Behind: Batteries

I’ve been interested in batteries since I saw the energizer bunny on my television, and since I started playing games on something that required batteries.

So, batteries have two sides. The anode (the negative side) and the cathode (the positive side). Essentially, batteries are hooked up to a circuit for them to be charged. A circuit is simply an energy source that allows for electrons to flow through it, from the positive end to the negative end.

Inside of the battery, there's ions flowing through an electrolyte (a liquid that helps electrons move). The electrons flow into the battery, charging the ions in the process. This principle is why you can make what is called a lemon battery, with the lemon acting as the electrolyte.

If you're wondering how to make it, place a copper coin and a zinc nail in a lemon, the zinc acts as the negative end and the coin as the positive end. Hook it up to something and now you have a battery.

I guess that’s how the battery charges!