1. Rechargeable Batteries
Inquiry 3

2. How is the energy in a battery carried and transformed?
Current flowing in the circuit carries the energy to a mechanical device
As the current flows through the bulb the chemical energy stored in the battery becomes light and heat energy in the bulb
Chemical energy from the battery converts to sound, mechanical, and heat energy in the motor.

3. If the battery is “dead” then where did the energy go?
All of the battery’s chemical energy has been converted to other forms of energy
Light bulb and motor converted the chemical energy in this lab

4. How does the recharging process of a battery work?
The battery charger runs a current “backward” through the battery.
The current reverses the chemical processes and converts the electrical energy to chemical energy that is stored in the battery.
Over time the rechargeable batteries need to be replaced because gases escape from the cell.