Battery
Definition
A battery is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy to provide a steady flow of direct current (DC). It consists of one or more electrochemical cells with external connections for powering electrical devices.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- The electromotive force (emf) of a battery is the potential difference between its terminals when no current is flowing.
- Internal resistance within the battery affects the terminal voltage and reduces the effective power output.
- The terminal voltage can be calculated using $V = \text{emf} - Ir$, where $I$ is the current and $r$ is the internal resistance.
- In series circuits, batteries add their voltages together, while in parallel circuits, they increase total capacity without increasing voltage.
- The efficiency of a battery decreases over time due to chemical degradation and increased internal resistance.
Review Questions
- What happens to the terminal voltage when current flows through a battery with internal resistance?
- How does connecting batteries in series differ from connecting them in parallel regarding voltage and capacity?
- Explain how internal resistance affects the performance of a battery over time.
"Battery" appears in:
Subjects (2)
Related terms
Electromotive Force (emf): The maximum potential difference between two terminals of a battery when no current flows.
Internal Resistance: The inherent resistance within the battery that causes energy loss as heat and reduces terminal voltage.
Direct Current (DC): An electric current flowing in one direction only, typically supplied by batteries.
