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A battery can be compared with a small power plant that generates electrical energy from a chemical reaction. Electricity is a flow of electrons that moves from the negative electrode to the positive electrode because of a difference in charge. The basic components of a battery are the two above-mentioned electrodes encapsulated by a solution that serves as an electrical conductor (electrolyte).

A battery produces electricity through a chemical reaction. This process starts when you put the battery in an appliance, which completes the electrical circuit. Most chemical reactions produce energy in the form of heat. However, by placing the chemical elements within a covering and controlling the resulting reaction by a separator, the battery produces electrical energy.

In general, batteries produce energy for a limited period of time. After a while the chemical reaction is wiped out, leaving the batteries unusable. A rechargeable battery - like a normal, or primary, battery - consists of an anode, cathode, electrolyte and separator. But that's where the comparison ends. Rechargeable batteries have a reversible chemical process. During the charging of the battery, the chemical components go back to their original form and position, enabling the start of a new cycle.

The capacity of a battery is expressed in ampere-hours, which means that it can provide a current of 1 ampere for one hour. The more electrolyte and electrode material in the cell, the greater the capacity of the cell. Hence, the capacity is the possibility to deliver high flows of electricity in a short period of time. Both the capacity and voltage are important, because it determines whether or not the battery is suitable for a certain appliance. Some devices are more demanding than others, and require a higher capacity for a correct functioning.