Battery

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A Cell

Batteries and cells store electrical energy using chemicals.
Chemical reactions cause current to flow if there is a circuit.
The chemical reaction creates the electromotive force (volts). This is what causes the current to flow.

A cell is is often confused with a battery.
For example a 12 Volt car battery has six cells.
A small torch might use a single AAA cell (incorrectly referred to as a battery in every day life).

Depending on the cell chemistry some types can be recharged many times. Others can be used once only.

A cell can be made from any two different metals and an ionic liquid solution. Hence the clock powered by a lemon or potato.

Lead Acid	Lithium Ion	Nickel Cadmium
Heavy. Relatively Cheap. Can supply high currents. Lead is toxic.	Best affordable energy to weight ratio. Lighter than lead acid. More expensive than lead acid. Chemicals are less harmful.	Can supply high currents. No longer in common use. Cadmium is very toxic.