Battery
From Wikipedia, a free encyclopedia written in simple English for easy reading.
Batteries are needed to operate many things,
(flashlights in North American English), radios, cameras, tape recorders, cars, clocks.
Batteries can be rechargeable or non-rechargeable. They store direct current (DC) electricity.
Batteries come in lots of different shapes and sizes and voltages. It is possible, but not easy, to run wires to use an odd size battery for an odd purpose.
Batteries are always more costly/expensive than mains electricity. But mains electricity is not suitable for things that are mobile.
Bicycles have tail-lights that can be operated by batteries, and sometimes by a little generator powered by the wheels.
Hand and foot generators can be used to replace batteries, but they can be tiresome.
Wind-up generators are now available to power small clockwork radios, clockwork torches, etc.
Since clockwork clocks have been around for hundreds of years, and batteries for two hundred, it is amazing that no-one thought of a clockwork torch until recently.
[edit] Alternatives to Batteries
- Solar cells
- Bi-metal strips