How Electric potential and potential difference work in batteries

In summary: There are two types of batteries: primary and secondary.In primary batteries, the anode is the positive terminal and the cathode is the negative terminal. The ions produced by the electrolyte flow to the anode and the battery is discharged.In secondary batteries, the anode is the positive terminal and the cathode is the negative terminal. The ions produced by the electrolyte flow to the cathode and the battery is recharged.The rating of a battery is determined by two things: the Coulomb's law and the electrochemical potential.Coulomb's law is a mathematical relationship that states that the total charge on an object is the sum of the charges on its individual atoms or molecules
  • #1
htttp
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How is electric potential manipulated in batteries? Why do some batteries have a rating of 1.5v and others have ratings of 1.25v? I'm not looking for the answer of "its the materials used in the chemical reaction" because I know that.WHAT DO THESE MATERIALS DO DIFFERENTLY TO THE PHYSICS OF THE BATTERY (charge, distance, work, etc. )? I've learned that electric potential and potential energy rely entirely on position. For example the formula from electric potential energy is F * d and force is (kQq)/d^2 meaning that potential energy is (kQq)/d. Does this mean that a battery that has its anodes and cathodes closer together has a higher voltage rating compared to one is very long?

Please answer in detail and again I don't want the "it's the materials used in the chemical reaction" answer to this question. That's not what I'm looking for because I already know that.

Thanks for your help.
 
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  • #2
hi htttp! :smile:
htttp said:
… electric potential and potential energy rely entirely on position.

no, that's wrong :redface:

a battery with two electrodes in a fluid will have the same voltage (electric potential difference) no matter how far apart the electrodes are
 
  • #3
htttp said:
a battery that has its anodes and cathodes closer together has a higher voltage rating compared to one is very long?
Just try it yourself at home. Connect the terminals to conductors and make the battery long. Then measure the potential with a voltmeter
 
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  • #4
Here's some detail:
htttp said:
WHAT DO THESE MATERIALS DO DIFFERENTLY TO THE PHYSICS OF THE BATTERY
The materials used in batteries are electrolytes(solid or liquid). You know They dissociate when dissolved, or in electric field. The ions thus formed carry charge to/from the electrodes. The capacity of carrying charge by ions varies with the material you have used to dissociate into ions. And also some materials dissociate quickly and some produce more ions.
 
  • #5


Electric potential and potential difference are important concepts in understanding how batteries work. In a battery, chemical reactions take place that result in the separation of electric charges, creating a potential difference between the two terminals of the battery. This potential difference is what drives the flow of electrons through a circuit, providing the electrical energy needed to power devices.

The electric potential in a battery is manipulated through the materials used in the chemical reaction. Different materials have different properties, such as their ability to hold and release electrons, which affects the potential difference that can be created. For example, in a zinc-carbon battery, the zinc serves as the anode and the carbon rod serves as the cathode. The chemical reaction between these two materials results in the transfer of electrons, creating a potential difference.

The rating of a battery, such as 1.5v or 1.25v, is a measure of its potential difference. This potential difference is determined by the materials used in the battery and their ability to create a separation of charges. Batteries with a higher rating have a greater potential difference, meaning they can provide a stronger flow of electrons through a circuit.

The materials used in a battery also play a role in the physics of the battery. As you mentioned, electric potential energy relies on position, and the distance between the anode and cathode can affect the potential difference. In general, a battery with its anode and cathode closer together will have a higher voltage rating compared to one with a greater distance between them. This is because the closer the two terminals are, the stronger the electric field between them, resulting in a higher potential difference.

However, the distance between the anode and cathode is not the only factor that affects the potential difference in a battery. The type of materials used and their properties also play a significant role. For example, some materials have a higher tendency to lose or gain electrons, which can affect the potential difference created in a battery. Additionally, the design and construction of the battery can also impact the potential difference.

In summary, electric potential and potential difference in batteries are determined by the materials used in the chemical reaction. These materials have different properties that affect their ability to create a separation of charges and thus, the potential difference in the battery. The distance between the anode and cathode can also play a role, but it is not the sole factor in determining the potential difference.
 

1. How do batteries generate electric potential?

Batteries generate electric potential through a chemical reaction between two different materials - typically a metal and a non-metal - that creates a flow of electrons. This flow of electrons creates a potential difference, also known as voltage, which is what drives the electric current in a circuit.

2. What is the difference between electric potential and potential difference?

Electric potential refers to the electric potential energy per unit charge at a specific point in an electric field. This can be thought of as the "strength" of the electric field at that point. Potential difference, on the other hand, is the difference in electric potential between two points in an electric field. It is what drives the flow of electric current in a circuit.

3. How is the potential difference in a battery maintained?

The potential difference in a battery is maintained by the chemical reaction between the two materials inside the battery. As long as this reaction continues, the flow of electrons and the potential difference will be maintained. However, as the materials are used up, the potential difference will decrease and eventually the battery will need to be replaced.

4. Why do batteries have different voltages?

Batteries have different voltages because they are made with different combinations of materials that have different abilities to generate electric potential. The type and amount of materials used in a battery will determine its voltage. For example, a standard AA battery typically has a voltage of 1.5 volts, while a car battery can have a voltage of 12 volts.

5. How does the potential difference in a battery affect the flow of electric current?

The potential difference in a battery is what drives the flow of electric current in a circuit. When there is a difference in potential between two points, electrons will flow from the higher potential to the lower potential. In a battery, this flow of electrons is maintained by the chemical reaction between the materials, which keeps the potential difference constant and allows for a steady flow of current in the circuit.

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