1
$\begingroup$

From what I know a battery works by moving electrons through the circuit due to the chemical potential difference between the terminals , Here I have two questions

  • How do we calculate the potential difference of a battery ,in electrostatic potential it's calculated by taking the negative integral of E.ds so how does this compare to the battery as I've heard multiple times that comparing batteries to electrostatics is misleading

  • Is the electric field constant around the circuit? , If it's then how can there be a potential difference between the terminals anyway I mean for it be constant at every point the positive terminal and negative terminal field must add up to the same value meaning that near the terminals the field is still constant but in a different direction which just means that the potentials will cancel.

excuse me if I am mistaken as I am finding a hard time with this problem.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
3

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
0
$\begingroup$

the voltage generated by a cell depends on how much work gets released when an atom gives up an electron and passes it to a dissimilar atom. this is covered in the field of electrochemistry, about which whole libraries of books have been written. Simplified versions of electrochemistry form the basis of corrosion science.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.