A battery is an electrochemical device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy by means of oxidation-reduction reactions between the anode and cathode. It consists of an anode, cathode, electrolyte, and separator. During discharge, the anode reaction is an oxidation that releases electrons while the cathode reaction is a reduction that consumes electrons conducted through the electrolyte. Batteries can be primary (non-rechargeable) or secondary (rechargeable) and are classified and selected based on their components, reactions, voltage, and applications.