Chargers extend the life of the rechargeable batteries by:
A) adding protons to the positive electrode
B) adding electrons to the positive electrode
C) moving electrons back to the positive electrode
D) Moving electrons back to the negative electrode
I believe the answer is D.
To determine how chargers extend the life of rechargeable batteries, we need to understand the process of charging a battery. When a rechargeable battery is being charged, a chemical reaction occurs within the battery that converts electrical energy into chemical energy.
The answer to the question is C) moving electrons back to the positive electrode.
Explanation:
During the charging process, an external power source (such as a charger) is connected to the battery. This power source applies a voltage to the battery, which causes the flow of electrons from the negative electrode (cathode) to the positive electrode (anode) of the battery. This process reverses the chemical reactions that occur when the battery discharges.
By moving electrons back to the positive electrode during charging (option C), the charger is replenishing the energy stored in the battery. This helps maintain the battery's capacity to store and release electrical energy, effectively extending its life.
Adding protons to the positive electrode (option A) is not a typical process in battery charging. It is the movement of electrons, not protons, that allows for the flow of electric current.
Adding electrons to the positive electrode (option B) is not a standard charging process either. Normally, electrons flow from the negative electrode to the positive electrode during the charging process, rather than the other way around.
Moving electrons back to the negative electrode (option D) is actually the process that occurs during battery discharge. In this case, the chemical reactions within the battery convert the stored chemical energy into electrical energy, allowing for the flow of electrons from the negative electrode to the positive electrode.