
Alkaline batteries 鈥� usually single-use batteries. They have an alkaline electrolyte in them instead of an acid.聽
Anode 鈥� the negative end of a battery, marked with a minus (鈭�) sign.
Atoms 鈥� the smallest building blocks of all matter. Everything is made of atoms!
Cathode 鈥� the positive end of a battery, marked with a plus (+) sign.
Chemical energy 鈥� the energy stored in the chemical bonds of compounds.
Disposable (single-use) batteries 鈥撀� batteries that can be used only once and cannot be recharged with the help of electricity. They must be replaced by a new battery for the device to work.
Electrolyte 鈥� a powder, gel, paste, or liquid that separates the anode and the cathode that allows electrons to move from the anode to the cathode through a device.
Electrons 鈥� part of every atom. They are extremely tiny and are negatively charged.
Fossil fuels 鈥� were formed over millions of years from buried plants and animals, and are available only in limited amounts. They have stored energy. They are also called nonrenewable energy sources.
Lead-acid batteries 鈥� rechargeable batteries that contain lead compounds in their anodes and cathodes. They use an acid for the electrolyte and are often used in automobiles.聽
Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) 鈥� rechargeable batteries made with lithium metal; used in EVs, mobile phones, wheelchairs, wireless headsets, etc.
Oxidation 鈥� the chemical reaction happening at the cathode, where the cathode loses electrons.
Rechargeable batteries 鈥� batteries that can be charged and used again, over and over for a long time (like those in cell phones).聽
Recycle 鈥� to make new usable parts or items from old, used, or worn-out things.聽
Reduction 鈥� the chemical reaction happening at the anode, where the anode gains electrons.
Renewable energy 鈥� the energy sources in nature that never run out. They last pretty much forever (like the sun鈥檚 energy).