How a Battery Works: Anode, Cathode & Electrolyte Explained

[overtak3n]

So I understand that a battery consists of an anode, cathode, and electrolyte.

Question: What is the function of the electrolyte? Can we use a conductor instead of an electrolyte like some kind of metal? If so, why don't we?

Now for a penny and nickel battery stacked on top of each other you have a
penny, electrolyte (wet cardboard), nickel, penny, electrolyte, nickel, etc.
I have three questions:
1) Why is there no electrolyte between nickel and penny? (Look in the middle and you'll see what I mean)
2) Will it work if there was an electrolyte there?
3) Will it work without any electrolytes between any of the pennies and nickels?

 

[jedishrfu]

Batteries operate on chemical principles. The electrolyte facilitaties the chemical reaction between the anode and cathode of the battery.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolyte

 

[overtak3n]

Thank you for responding.

I didn't realize it has to do with the chemical reaction.