Battery in use

Movement of electrons

Positive

electrode

Cathode

Negative

electrode

Anode

1

Ions

2

Electrolyte

1

Electrons flow from negative to positive electrode creating an electric current

2

Positively charged ions travel in the same direction through the electrolyte

Battery charging

Movement of electrons

3

Ions

4

Electrolyte

3

When charging, the process is reversed – electrons flow back to the anode ...

4

... and positive ions flow back though the electrolyte

Battery in use

Battery charging

Movement of electrons

Movement of electrons

Positive

electrode

Cathode

Negative

electrode

Anode

1

3

Ions

Ions

2

4

Electrolyte

Electrolyte

1

Electrons flow from negative to positive electrode creating an electric current

2

Positively charged ions travel in the same direction through the electrolyte

3

When charging, the process is reversed – electrons flow back to the anode ...

4

... and positive ions flow back though the electrolyte