In a battery when does chemical energy become usable energy?
when the current becomes zero
when a reaction produces the same products
when there is chemical reaction between metals and nonmetals
when electrons stop moving between atoms
There isn't a clear single answer to this question because it depends on how you define "usable energy." However, one possible answer is:
Chemical energy becomes usable energy in a battery when electrons flow through a circuit, powering a device or doing work. This happens when the battery is connected to a load that creates a path for the electrons to flow from the battery's negative terminal to its positive terminal, known as the external circuit. Inside the battery, chemical reactions occur that convert stored chemical energy into electrical potential energy, which drives the electron flow. So, chemical energy becomes usable energy in a battery when electrons start moving between atoms, not when they stop moving.
In a battery, chemical energy becomes usable energy when electrons stop moving between atoms. Let's break down each option to understand why this is the correct answer:
1. When the current becomes zero: While the current being zero may indicate that there is no flow of electrons, it does not necessarily mean that the chemical energy has become usable energy. The current could be zero due to various reasons, such as a disconnected circuit, a broken wire, or an open switch.
2. When a reaction produces the same products: When a chemical reaction occurs in a battery, it involves the transfer of electrons from one electrode to another. This creates a flow of current and ultimately generates usable energy. However, the reaction does not necessarily need to produce the same products for the chemical energy to become usable energy. The key factor lies in the movement of electrons, not the specific reaction products.
3. When there is a chemical reaction between metals and nonmetals: A battery does involve a chemical reaction between metals and nonmetals, as it typically contains two electrodes made of different materials immersed in an electrolyte. However, the occurrence of a chemical reaction alone does not guarantee that the chemical energy has become usable energy. It is the movement of electrons during the reaction that transforms the chemical energy into usable energy.
4. When electrons stop moving between atoms: This is the correct option. In a battery, chemical energy is stored in the form of a reaction between the materials in the electrodes and the electrolyte. This chemical reaction causes electrons to move from the negative electrode (anode) to the positive electrode (cathode) through an external circuit, creating an electric current. Once the flow of electrons stops, the chemical energy has been converted into usable electrical energy.