How does an automobile battery function?

An automobile battery functions by storing chemical energy and converting it into electrical energy. This process is crucial for starting the vehicle and powering its electrical systems when the engine is off. The battery primarily uses lead-acid chemistry, where chemical reactions between the lead dioxide, sponge lead, and sulfuric acid generate a flow of electrons, thereby producing electricity.

When the battery discharges, it releases this stored energy to power the starter motor and other electrical loads in the vehicle. Conversely, when the engine runs, the alternator recharges the battery by converting mechanical energy back into electrical energy, allowing the battery to maintain its charge for future use. This makes it clear that the key role of an automobile battery lies in its ability to store energy chemically and then provide it electrically when needed.