Batteries Continued…

The negative side of the battery is called the Anode. Electrons produced in the reaction leave the battery through this spot. The positive side of the battery is called the Cathode. This is the side where the electrons reenter the battery and ultimately where electrons are going, since electrons, which have a negative charge, are drawn to a positive side. The Electrolyte is the ionic conductor and is the substance which the electrons travel though to get from cathode to anode.

Types

Batteries can be grouped into different categories. One example is Primary batteries and Secondary batteries. Primary batteries are not rechargeable. Once they are dead, or out of energy, they can no longer be used. They must be either thrown out or recycled. Secondary batteries are rechargeable. They are recharged when an electric current is sent through the battery in the opposite direction.

Batteries can also be classified by what they contain inside them. Alkaline, probably the most well know, contain a combination of steel, zinc and manganese. Others include lead sulfur, lithium, silver oxide, zinc air and nickel cadmium.

Examples of primary batteries include alkaline, silver oxide, zinc air and lithium. Secondary batteries include nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, sealed lead acid and lithium ion.

Caring for batteries

Batteries should be stored at room temperature. There have been some questions as to whether batteries should be stored in the refrigerator in order to preserve their life, however this is a myth. They will not last any longer stored in cold temperatures; in fact manufacturers say that on a closet shelf is a perfect condition for batteries. They will retain all of their potential power for 5 years at the very least, if not more.

When primary batteries have lost all power there are two methods for disposal. You can either throw them in the trash or choose to recycle them. If throwing them in the trash, you must make sure you do so a few at a time. A large bunch of batteries could, together, have enough power to cause harm. For those concerned with mercury coming form the batteries, manufacturers have stopped using mercury in batters since the mid 1990's. Also NEVER dispose of batteries in a fire.

If you are interested in recycling batteries, contact your nearest recycling center or hotline for information on sites. When batteries are recycled, they are taken apart and the lead or other metal is melted down, prepared and sent to a processing plant for use in new batteries. The plastic coverings are removed and separated, cleaned and processed for use in various ways, including more new batteries. Recycling is an excellent way to conserve resources and help put less waste into our landfills.

By Jeanne Rongitsch