How do batteries work?

Think of a battery as a small power plant that converts a chemical reaction into electrical energy. Various dry cell (or alkaline) batteries can differ in several ways, but they all have the same basic components. For even more details, visit our What's Inside a Battery page or our Battery Chemistry page.

Powering the device

Let’s look at how batteries work to generate and send power to your favorite devices. More technical details can be found on our Battery Chemistry page

Constructing the battery

It’s easier to understand how batteries work when you see how they’re put together.

Container —It all starts with an empty steel can – the battery container.

Cathode Mix —Finely-ground powders of manganese dioxide and conductors that carry a naturally-occurring electrical charge are molded to the inside wall of the empty container.

Separator —Separator paper is inserted to keep the cathode from touching the anode.

Anode —The anode, which carries a negative electrical charge, plus potassium hydroxide electrolyte are then pumped into each container.

Collector —The brass pin, which forms the negative current collector, is inserted into the battery, which is then sealed and capped.