Batteries provide portable, convenient sources of power without wires. It makes many mobile devices possible! Regular dry cell batteries are the most common, but lithium ion batteries are more reliable and rechargeable! That means that when the battery “dies”, you can recharge the battery! Lithium ion batteries work using the anode, cathode, and electrolyte. The anode (- side) and cathode (+ side) are two conductive materials. The anode and cathode store lithium. The electrolyte carries the positively charged lithium ions from the anode, to the cathode and the cathode, to the anode. A chemical reaction inside of the lithium creates lithium ions and electrons. That powers the device! The anode releases the ions and it travels to the cathode. This is the discharge of electricity. Then, when you charge it, the cathode releases the lithium ions and the ions go to the anode! It is a cycle between the anode and cathode, due to the electricity charge and discharge. Lithium ion batteries are used in electric cars, cell phones, and computers! This is because the battery is rechargeable and can be used many times!
