How does a rechargeable battery work ? How are they different from ordinary batteries ?
Electrochemical cells and batteries are identified as primary cell and secondary cell . The primary batteries cannot be easily or effectively re-charged electrically and hence are discharged and discarded whereas secondary cell can be recharged electrically and can be used again . The electrochemical reactions in primary cells are not easily reversible , When the battery delivers current (during use) the active materials undergo changes and the active materials slowly will become inactive because the discharged active materials can’t deliver current.
In secondary cells ( Example., lead-acid ) electrochemical reactions are reversible , as reactions are reversible that means once the battery is used , the inactive materials can be converted back to active materials and by re-charging the battery will be again ready for use.