This weeks lab on the Lemon Battery showed us the connection between ions and the transfer of energy. We were able to make our own circuit (transform energy to different uses like light, heat, motion, sound, etc.) by using a penny and nail. The acid in the lemon provided for the electrons while the between the pennies' negative charge and the nails positive charge forced electrons to flow (like the iPad battery) through the circuit.
But how does it apply in REAL life? The iPad! For us SI students, the iPad strikes close to home and now we will be able to see how its battery really works!
The iPad battery uses a rechargeable lithium polymer battery. The iPad is actually unique in its use of lithium polymer battery because most laptop batteries are actually made of Lithium-ion, a much less moldable chemical. In the photo, you can see that the battery is actually shaped around the iPad, causing it to be larger and therefore hold more ions for recharging and use.
So how does it work? The lithium ions move back and forth from the negative electrode to positive electrode during discharge. As the battery is charging however, the electrons move back and forth. This is voltage (to give charges potential energy). As more and more voltage creates a "mountain," then the charges are organized and energy is transferred/stored.
