How many lithium-ion [Li-ion] batteries have you used today? Lithium-ion batteries are practically everywhere, but how do they work? Why are they rechargeable? And why do they die earlier and earlier in the day the more you use them? This episode will go deep into detail and explore the lithium-ion battery in your smartphone and answer each of these questions.
Question: "I learned that the Anode is + and the Cathode is -. Why do you say the reverse?" Answer: Well, in electronic devices, by definition: the anode is where electrons leave the component. In a diode or LED, the anode, the anode is the + terminal, the cathode is - and current goes from + to -, and electrons go from - to +. However now, think of the battery that is powering that LED. When operating, electrons come out of the negative side, and by the definition that makes this the anode. Thus, for batteries the anode is - and the cathode is +. But, chemistry uses a different definition of 'the cathode is where species are reduced, and the anode is where species are oxidized'. And for a battery function vs recharging the anode and cathodes switch sides, but + and - designations stay the same.
