How Do Batteries And Generators Supply Electrical Energy: Easy Basics

When we think about electrical energy and power buying electric current, we remember a science class that we may not have given full attention to. Have you ever wondered how do batteries and generators supply electrical energy in the first place? Read on as we take you on a quick science review!

The Basics Of How Batteries And Generators Work

To address the question, “How do batteries and generators supply electrical energy?” we will go through each one.

How Do Batteries Supply Electrical Energy

A battery is a tool or device that can store energy in its chemical form and convert it into electrical energy when needed.

Parts of a battery:

Anode – (negative side) this electrode permits electrons to flow out
Cathode – (positive side) this electrode receives the electrons
Electrolyte – an ionic liquid that conducts electricity

How it works:

A chemical reaction in the battery causes a buildup of electrons in the anode.
This is an unstable electron buildup, so they want to rearrange themselves by going to a place with fewer electrons.
The electrons can only go to the cathode.
Electrons cannot go to the cathode if there is no wire because of the electrolytes' presence.
If a wire is present, the electrons from the anode can finally travel to a cathode.
Your wire can be a light bulb or your shaver. The device serves as its circuit for electrons to move from the anode to the cathode. It powers your device in the process.
In a non-rechargeable battery, this process will continue until the battery dies down.
In a rechargeable battery, the process is in reverse. It uses an external source to supply electrons to the anode, removing them from the cathode until the cell recharges.

How Do Batteries Supply Electrical How Do Generators Supply Electrical Energy

A generator is a device that uses mechanical energy from an external source and converts it into electrical energy for use.

How it works:

A generator forces electrons from an external source with an electrical circuit. Imagine your standard camping generator that uses a gas-powered engine.
The generator captures the power of motion and turns it into electrical energy.
On a larger scale, the potential electric current can be converted into energy that flows through copper wires to other machines or electrical systems, like an entire house.
Large generators in a dam provide these vast amounts of energy by transferring the power (created by water turning turbines) into electricity.
Smaller generators use fuel sources, like gas or diesel, to create mechanical power, forced into a circuit, to induce an electrical current.

So how do batteries and generators supply electrical energy? Batteries store energy, while generators use external motion. Discover more about electricity supply here.

Conclusion

Batteries and generators have done much to improve the lives of humanity. Understanding how do batteries and generators supply electrical energy allows us to appreciate the electrical power we tend to take for granted sometimes.