Rechargeable car batteries, specifically those in Electric Vehicles (EVs), work by facilitating the movement of electrons between two electrodes through an electrolyte. Let's break down the process:
Understanding the Components
Every EV battery cell has three core components:
- Anode (Negative Electrode): This is where electrons originate.
- Cathode (Positive Electrode): This is where electrons travel to.
- Electrolyte: A chemical substance that allows the movement of electrons between the anode and cathode.
The Discharge Process (Powering the Car)
According to the provided reference, "When connected to an electric circuit, electrons travel from the anode to the cathode via the electrolyte." This is how the battery discharges and provides power to the car. In essence:
- When the car is turned on or requires power, an electrical circuit is completed.
- This circuit allows electrons to flow from the anode.
- The electrons travel through the electrolyte.
- They then arrive at the cathode.
- This electron flow creates an electric current, which powers the car's motor and other electrical systems.
The Charging Process (Recharging the Battery)
Rechargeable batteries can reverse the electron flow through the application of an external voltage.
- An external power source (like a charging station) is connected to the battery.
- This power source forces electrons to flow from the cathode back to the anode, reversing the discharge process.
- This process restores the chemical balance within the battery, effectively "recharging" it.
Analogy
Think of it like a water pump. During discharge, the battery acts like a pump releasing water (electrons) from one tank (anode) to another (cathode) through a pipe (electrolyte). Recharging is like running the pump in reverse to move the water back to the original tank.
