1. Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter and consist of a nucleus surrounded by electrons. Electricity is the flow of electric charge, which is most often carried by moving electrons in a conductor such as a metal. 2. Early experiments with electricity involved static electricity and batteries. The first electrochemical cell was invented by the philosopher Thales of Miletus in 600 BC and improved upon by Sir William Gilbert in 1600. 3. There are different types of electrochemical cells including primary cells like zinc-carbon and lead-acid batteries that are not rechargeable, and secondary cells like nickel-cadmium and lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged.