Battery

A battery is two or more electrochemical cells connected in series which store chemical energy and make it available as electrical energy. Common usage has evolved to include a single electrical cell in the definition.There are many types of electrochemical cells, including galvanic cells, electrolytic cells, fuel cells, flow cells, and voltaic piles. A battery's characteristics may vary due to many factors including internal chemistry, current drain, and temperature.

One common division of batteries distinguishes two types: primary (disposable) and secondary (rechargeable). Primary batteries are designed to be used once only because they use up their chemicals in an effectively irreversible reaction. Secondary batteries can be recharged because the chemical reactions they use are reversible; they are recharged by running a charging current through the battery, but in the opposite direction of the discharge current. Secondary, also called rechargeable batteries can be charged and discharged many times before wearing out. After wearing out some batteries can be recycled.

Although an early form of battery may have been used in antiquity, the modern development of batteries started with the Voltaic pile, invented by the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta in 1800. Since then, batteries have gained popularity as they became portable and useful for many purposes.The widespread use of batteries has created many environmental concerns, such as toxic metal pollution.Many reclamation companies recycle batteries to reduce the number of batteries going into landfills.

Generally, battery life can be prolonged by storing the battery in a cool place and using it at an appropriate current.