Batteries not included. Many things we buy today don't come with a source of power, batteries. And most batteries have the useful life of a two-year old's attention span. So they are continually being replaced. But should they? The Fix-It Club knows!

How Does It Work?

A household battery stores electric current that can be tapped when its terminals are connected to each other to form a circuit. All batteries contain two electrodes and an electrolyte; together they produce a chemical reaction that results in a current of electricity.

Small household batteries (AA, AAA, C, D) are also called "dry" batteries because the electrolyte is a paste of powdered chemicals. Alkaline batteries use an alkaline electrolyte. A battery's voltage depends on the metals that are used in its electrodes and the number of cells. Household batteries produce 1.5 or 9 volts of direct current (DC) electricity, depending on the model.

See also the Button Battery Fix-It Guide for information on the smaller batteries that power watches, calculators, toys, palm computers, electronic notebooks, computer clocks, some cell phones, and many other household items.

What Can Go Wrong?

Household batteries work, work weakly, or don't work at all. They quit working because they corrode, leak, and lose their power.

Fix-It Tip

Because batteries can corrode and leak and harm the very thing they are intended to power, remove batteries from items that are not used frequently.