Final answer:
The term battery normally refers to an electrochemical device composed of cells that generate electric current, and there are two main types: primary (disposable) and secondary (rechargeable) batteries, with applications varying based on factors like size and energy requirements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term battery refers to an electrochemical cell or a series of cells that produces an electric current. There are two basic kinds of batteries: primary batteries, which are disposable and cannot be recharged, and secondary batteries, which are rechargeable.
An ideal battery would have characteristics such as never running down, producing an unchanging voltage, and withstanding environmental extremes
However, practical limitations require a balance between these ideal features and considerations like mass, cost, reliability, and current capacity.
A classic example of a battery is the lead storage battery, commonly used in vehicles, which consists of multiple cells with lead and lead (IV) oxide electrodes.
There are also batteries designed for specific applications, such as button batteries for small electronic devices, or lithium batteries, which include lithium-metal chemistry and are used in a wide range of consumer electronics and electric vehicles.
The suitability of a battery for a particular application depends on various factors, including size, energy capacity, and the environment in which it will be used.