How do batteries maintain charge

[peter.ell]

I recently realized that I actually have no idea why batteries need the two terminals connected in order for electricity to flow from the anode to the cathode. After all, if electricity flows when the two terminals are connected, since there is an electrolyte solution between the two, electrons should be able to just flow directly from anode to cathode without having to go through a wire outside of the battery to do so; essentially causing all batteries to short circuit themselves and not be able to hold charge. This seems reasonable, especially considering the tendency for the cathode and anode to want to balance their charges, and the electrolyte solution between represents a perfectly reasonable way to do so in the absence of a more efficient wire connected the two together directly.

But obviously this doesn't happen, why not?

Thank you!

 

[tiny-tim]

hi peter.ell!

there's a voltage gradient inside the battery, with every electrolyte "pushing" the one in front …

with the terminals disconnected, there's nowhere for the front one to go, so the others behind put pressure on him, but it doesn't get them anywhere!