Batteries are packages containing one or more galvanic cells that store electrical energy through chemical reactions. A battery contains two half cells, one for oxidation and one for reduction, separated by an electrolyte. When a circuit connects the battery terminals, a redox reaction occurs where the anode undergoes oxidation by releasing electrons and the cathode undergoes reduction by gaining electrons, generating a flow of electricity. The electrolyte facilitates the movement of ions between the half cells to complete the circuit.

1. B Y : G R A C E P A D D I S O N
The Chemistry of Batteries

2. What are batteries
 “A battery is a package of one or more galvanic cells
used for the protection and storage of electrical
energy by chemical means” (Uwaterloo.edu 1)
 Galvanic cells are two half cells that make up a
battery
 One half is a reduction cell and the other is a
oxidation cell (Uwaterloo.edu)

3. How batteries work
 When a battery is used, it stimulates electrical energy
that changes reactants to products (Holzman 5)
 This happens through redox reactions
 It begins when the circuit in between the two
terminals begin to create electricity

4.  The electricity is made through electromagnetic
reactions between anode, cathode, and electrolyte
 Electrolytes are conductors for electricity (Holzman
2)
 The anode is where the oxidation takes place
 Oxidation is the loss of electrons

5.  The cathode is where reduction takes place
 Reduction is the gaining of electrons (Uwaterloo.edu
1)
 The chemical reaction begins, when the oxidation
cell release two or more ions from the electrolyte
