How do batteries give the electrons their energy?

[sodium.dioxid]

When a coulomb (of electron) flows through a resistor, it loses the energy it gained in the battery. How were these electrons fueled in the battery in the first place? I already know that chemical reactions rearrange electrons in the battery. But this doesn't directly address the energy gain (voltage) in the battery.

 

[pallidin]

In a battery, chemical reactions provide for an electrical "potential difference" of the electrodes.
If you are confused, remember that these types of reactions are not perpetually sustainable in a 'closed' system.
They work for a while, then not.

 

[Dale]

Hi sodium.dioxid, welcome to PF

Remember that energy is the capacity to do work and that work is f.d, so fundamentally a battery works by giving a small f over a microscopic d that literally pushes on the electron. That is where the energy comes from, that microscopic push.

 

[Count Iblis]

See also here:

http://arxiv.org/abs/0908.4096

 

[sodium.dioxid]

Sorry guys, I meant to say electric device rather than resistor. Anyway, so they gain chemical energy? But what is that and how do the electrons react to it once they get it.

 

[Dale]

Anyway, so they gain chemical energy? But what is that

A microscopic push, as I already mentioned.

and how do the electrons react to it once they get it.

They push their neighboring electrons.