Battery Powered Cars (Blog 1)

What Powers Batteries?

       Batteries are the most used form of electricity and although they might not be as efficient and clean as solar power, they are loaded with power and there are power outlets for them everywhere including in mostly every building whereas solar power doesn't use outlets. Batteries have three parts, an anode (-), a cathode (+), and the electrolyte. The cathode and anode (the positive and negative sides at either end of a traditional battery) are hooked up to an electrical circuit. The chemical reaction in the battery causes a build-up of electrons at the anode.

       Definition: An electric battery is a device consisting of two or more electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. The terminal marked positive is at a higher electrical potential energy than is the terminal marked negative. The terminal marked positive is the source of electrons that when connected to an external circuit will flow and deliver energy to an external device. When a battery is connected to an external circuit, electrolytes are able to move as ions within, allowing the chemical reactions to be completed at the separate terminals and so deliver energy to the external circuit. It is the movement of those ions within the battery which allows current to flow out of the battery to perform work.

How to Make a Battery?

       Don’t throw out your pennies just yet, they’re still worth something. With just vinegar, cardboard, pennies, sandpaper and aluminium foil you can make your very own battery. Just follow the steps and procedures in this video below and you can make a cost effective battery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIdPfDHeROI

       Your cost effective battery can simply last power a calculator or even power a light continuously for over 2 full days. It’s definitely a good use of time and it’s perfect for projects you do at school. Batteries can power almost anything including cars which we will get to but not today.

Secondary Batteries

       Secondary batteries, also known as secondary cells, or rechargeable batteries, must be charged before first use; they are usually assembled with active materials in the discharged state. Rechargeable batteries are (re)charged by applying electric current, which reverses the chemical reactions that occur during discharge/use. Devices to supply the appropriate current are called chargers.

       The oldest form of rechargeable battery is the lead–acid battery. This technology contains liquid electrolyte in an unsealed container, requiring that the battery be kept upright and the area be well ventilated to ensure safe dispersal of the hydrogen gas it produces during overcharging. The lead–acid battery is relatively heavy for the amount of electrical energy it can supply. Its low manufacturing cost and its high surge current levels make it common where its capacity (over approximately 10 Ah) is more important than weight and handling issues. A common application is the modern car battery, which can, in general, deliver a peak current of 450 amperes.

       The sealed valve regulated lead–acid battery (VRLA battery) is popular in the automotive industry as a replacement for the lead–acid wet cell. The VRLA battery uses an immobilized sulfuric acid electrolyte, reducing the chance of leakage and extending shelf life. VRLA batteries immobilize the electrolyte.

       Batteries have also evolved although you may only think there is one type of battery. We use them everywhere but for this project I am teaching you the importance of them in cars. Check in next time to find out about battery motors to get a deeper understanding of how you can make your very own Battery-Powered Car.