Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: The electric battery serves as a portable source of electric power, playing a fundamental role in convenience and sustainability.
Invention:
In 1749, Benjamin Franklin coined the term “battery” while experimenting with electricity. The first real battery was invented by Alessandro Volta in 1800. In the early 19th century, Michael Faraday worked out why these cells worked the way they did and named their various components (anode, cathode, electrolyte, etc.)
How do Electric batteries work?
It works by converting stored chemical energy into electrical energy.
- Anode (Negatively Charged Electrode): Oxidation occurs, releasing electrons and creating ions.
- Cathode (Positively Charged Electrode): Reduction takes place, consuming electrons and accepting ions.
- Electron Flow: Electrons generated at the anode flow through an external circuit to the cathode, creating an electric current.
- Salt Bridge (electrolyte): A salt bridge connects the two half-cells, allowing ion exchange to maintain electrical neutrality.
Challenges: Corrosion is a common issue affecting battery performance, and various factors, such as environmental conditions, can contribute to degradation.
Types of Batteries:
- Lithium-ion (Li-ion): A rechargeable battery that converts chemical energy to electrical energy during discharge and vice versa during charging.
- Stanley Whittingham, John Goodenough and Akira Yoshino were awarded the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their contributions to the development of lithium-ion batteries.
- Fuel Cells: A source of electric power, like hydrogen fuel cells, where hydrogen is separated into protons and electrons at the anode, creating electricity and water at the cathode.
- Lead Acid Batteries: Used in automotive starting batteries, backup power systems, UPS
- Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) Batteries:Used in Portable power tools, medical equipment, and emergency lighting.
