A battery contains several key components working together to produce electricity. The core elements are:
- Anode: This is the negative terminal of the battery. It releases electrons during the chemical reaction.
- Cathode: This is the positive terminal. It accepts the electrons released from the anode.
- Electrolyte: This is a chemical material separating the anode and cathode. It facilitates the movement of ions between the two terminals, allowing the flow of electrons.
These three components, as noted by the Department of Energy (https://www.energy.gov/science/doe-explainsbatteries), are fundamental to any battery's operation. The specific materials used vary widely depending on the type of battery (e.g., alkaline, lithium-ion, NiMH). For example, a simple alkaline battery utilizes zinc, manganese, potassium, metal, plastic, and paper (https://www.rawmaterials.com/page/education/battery-inside/). More complex batteries, like those found in electric vehicles, contain multiple cells arranged in modules (https://www.qnovo.com/blogs/inside-the-battery-of-a-nissan-leaf). A 9V battery, for instance, is made up of six smaller AAAA cells (https://www.reddit.com/r/diyelectronics/comments/113xk4j/the_insides_of_9v_battery/).
The chemical reactions within the battery cause electrons to move from the anode to the cathode through an external circuit, creating an electrical current. This process is detailed further in resources like the American Chemical Society's explanation of how electrons move from one part of the battery to another (https://www.acs.org/education/celebrating-chemistry-editions/2024-ccew/the-anatomy-of-a-battery.html). Inside the battery itself, electron flow is restricted to the wiring and conductive electrodes (https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/696486/where-do-electrons-flow-inside-a-battery-what-happens-inside-a-battery).
The external casing of the battery is typically made of steel and other protective materials. Specific internal construction varies depending on the battery's voltage and intended use. Even seemingly simple batteries contain complex internal arrangements. For example, images showing the internal components of a Mavic drone battery reveal multiple cells, a balance board, and smart charge circuitry (https://mavicpilots.com/threads/whats-really-inside-your-mavic-battery.23199/).
