Final answer:
Batteries can supply power to circuits and are used in vehicles to start engines or power electrical systems. Batteries also absorb power when recharging, which is necessary for maintaining their charge in off-grid systems or in certain transportation vehicles that require frequent power replenishment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Can batteries supply power to the shed buses on the ground? The answer is yes, batteries can supply power to circuits as long as they are part of an electrical system that requires DC (direct current) power. Batteries in a circuit typically supply power, and this is their primary role. For example, each cell in a lead storage battery produces 2 V, so a 12 V battery, often found in vehicles, is used to start a car or power its electrical systems.
However, it's important to note that batteries can also absorb power in a circuit when they are being recharged, as seen in electronic devices that use an adapter connected to a wall socket. In transportation scenarios, certain wired systems, like light rail or trolley buses, typically receive their electricity from overhead wires or a third rail rather than batteries. Still, batteries are crucial in off-grid systems, although concerns about cost and maintenance are prevalent.
To address energy storage in larger vehicles like trucks, a solution might involve smaller batteries with more frequent charging stops or interchangeable pre-charged battery modules. When batteries discharge, not all the stored energy is available for external use, as some is used internally, which leads to a drop in terminal voltage.