Electromagnetism and Batteries

An electric charge (+ magnetism)

Electrically charged matter is influenced by, and produces, electomagnetic fields. The interaction between a moving charge and an electromagnetic field is the source of the electro-magnetic force, which is one of the four fundamental forces.

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A Battery

Definition: A battery is a portable energy source which stores chemical energy and makes it available in an electrical form.

Structure: It is made up of three basic components - Two electrodes (an anode and a cathode) and an electrolyte.

Related terms:

Ion; An atom or a group of atoms which have gained or lost one or more electrons,making them - or + charged.

Electrode; An electrical conductor made to make contact with a non-metallic part of a circuit, such as an electrolyte, a semi-conductor or a vacuum.

An Electrode consists of an Anode and a Cathode

1. An Anode is the negative part of the battery which -ve charged ions (Anions) are attracted to.

2. A Cathode is a positive part of the battery which +ve charged ions (Cations) are attracted to.

Electrolyte; A liquid solution that aids in the flow of energy. An electrolyte can conduct only ions, but not electrons, so the electrons have to go the longer path, which is the external circuit.

Process: A circuit is a closed loop that electrons can travel in. The -ve terminal of a battery will push electrons along a wire which are then attracted to the +ve terminal of the battery. When electrons flow, this makes an electrical current that can power something. What a battery does is put the right chemicals in the right relationships, and then puts a wall between them. Only when the two sides of a battery are connected by a wire or another conductor can the electrons flow.

Terms:

Voltage; Unit of measuring electrical potential and rated in DC (DirectCurrent) in a battery. This determines the amount of energy required to power your equipment.

Amps; Units of measuring electrical current.

Volts x Amps = Watts

… so 120 volts x 10 amps = 1,200 watts.

AC/DC; An Alternating Current who’s magnitude and direction vary cyclically, as opposed to Direct Current whose direction remains constant.