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| ==Origin== | | ==Origin== |
| Anglo-French ''baterie'', from ''batre'' to beat, from [[Latin]] ''battuere'' | | Anglo-French ''baterie'', from ''batre'' to beat, from [[Latin]] ''battuere'' |
− | *[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_century 16th Century] | + | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_century 16th Century] |
| ==Definitions== | | ==Definitions== |
| *1a : the act of battering or beating | | *1a : the act of battering or beating |
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| :b : a usually impressive or imposing [[group]] : [[array]] | | :b : a usually impressive or imposing [[group]] : [[array]] |
| ==Description== | | ==Description== |
− | An [[electric]] '''battery''' is a device consisting of one or more [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrochemical_cell electrochemical cells] that convert stored [[chemical]] energy into [[electrical]] energy. Each battery consists of a [[negative]] electrode (anode) that holds charged [[ions]], a [[positive]] electrode (cathode) that holds discharged ions, an electrolyte that allows ions to move from anode to cathode during discharge (and return during recharge) and terminals that allow current to [[flow]] out of the battery to perform work. | + | An [[electric]] '''battery''' is a device consisting of one or more [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrochemical_cell electrochemical cells] that convert stored [[chemical]] energy into [[electrical]] energy. Each battery consists of a [[negative]] electrode (anode) that holds charged [[ions]], a [[positive]] electrode (cathode) that holds discharged ions, an electrolyte that allows ions to move from anode to cathode during discharge (and return during recharge) and terminals that allow current to [[flow]] out of the battery to perform work. |
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− | Batteries are either [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primary_battery primary] (single-use or "disposable") that are used once and discarded or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secondary_battery secondary] (rechargeable batteries) that are discharged and recharged multiple times. | + | Batteries are either [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primary_battery primary] (single-use or "disposable") that are used once and discarded or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secondary_battery secondary] (rechargeable batteries) that are discharged and recharged multiple times. |
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− | Batteries are made from many [[materials]] including various metals, carbon, polymers and even [[air]]. The most common are lead-acid batteries used in vehicles and lithium ion batteries used for portable electronics. Batteries come in many shapes and sizes, from miniature cells used to power [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hearing_aid hearing aids] and wristwatches to battery banks the size of rooms that provide standby power for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telephone_exchange telephone exchanges] and computer [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_center data centers]. | + | Batteries are made from many [[materials]] including various metals, carbon, polymers and even [[air]]. The most common are lead-acid batteries used in vehicles and lithium ion batteries used for portable electronics. Batteries come in many shapes and sizes, from miniature cells used to power [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hearing_aid hearing aids] and wristwatches to battery banks the size of rooms that provide standby power for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telephone_exchange telephone exchanges] and computer [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_center data centers]. |
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| Batteries have been a recent [[focus]] of [[research]] and development, because they are seen as essential in the [[transition]] from fossil fuels to alternative energy, both for transport and [[electricity]] production and for powering portable devices of all kinds. | | Batteries have been a recent [[focus]] of [[research]] and development, because they are seen as essential in the [[transition]] from fossil fuels to alternative energy, both for transport and [[electricity]] production and for powering portable devices of all kinds. |
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− | Billions of batteries are used each year to power devices as diverse as automobiles to mobile phones. According to a 2005 estimate, the worldwide battery industry generates US$48billion in sales each year, with 6% annual growth.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battery_(electricity)] | + | Billions of batteries are used each year to power devices as diverse as automobiles to mobile phones. According to a 2005 estimate, the worldwide battery industry generates US$48billion in sales each year, with 6% annual growth.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battery_(electricity)] |
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| [[Category: Chemistry]] | | [[Category: Chemistry]] |
| [[Category: Physics]] | | [[Category: Physics]] |