Device that consists of a group of Cells that are connected to act as a source of Direct Current (DC). The term is also commonly used for a single cell, such as the alkaline Dry Cell used in flashlights and portable tape players. A storage battery usually
consists of several wet cells (cells with a liquid Electrolyte) connected in series (see Series Circuit), and can be recharged many Times. In the U.S. the Lead storage battery is commonly used in automobiles. Its cells consist of
alternate plates of lead (negative plates) and lead coated with lead dioxide (positive
plates, see Oxidation and Reduction) immersed in a sulfuric acid (see Acids And Bases) solution (the electrolyte). Negative plates are connected to form a cell's
negative Electrode; positive plates similarly form the positive electrode. The more costly
nickel-cadmium battery is also in wide use.