What Makes an Alkaline Battery Work?

An alkaline battery contains a dry cell

Alkaline batteries are a type of dry cell battery. Dry cell batteries consist of a cathode and an anode. Within the dry cell is an alkaline electrolyte, which gradually lessens the corrosion of the cell. As a result, alkaline batteries typically last longer than their counterpart batteries.

Container

The container of the battery is the outside shell

Within the alkaline battery's container is a cathode mixture of manganese dioxide and conductors. This mixture is responsible for producing the positive electrical charge of the battery.

Separator

Within the battery is a paper

A paper within the battery separates the cathode from the anode. The anode is responsible for carrying the negative charge in the battery.

Sealing

Prior to an alkaline battery being sealed, potassium hydroxide electrolyte is poured into the battery. A brass pin is then placed into the battery, forming a negative current collector.

How It Works

Placing a battery into a device will start a chemical reaction

A battery operates once you place a battery into a device and thus starting the chemical reaction within the battery. According to Energizer, the collector (or brass pin) will form an electrical current from the battery to the device.

References

• Energizer: How Batteries Work

Resources

• Duracell: Smart Power
• Energizer: Everyday Use Batteries