Difference between Battery and Rechargeable Battery

Key Difference: Battery is a device that consists of electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. Rechargeable batteries are also known as secondary batteries. These batteries are capable of getting recharged, and thus can be used multiple times.

Battery is a collection of electrochemical cells that generate electricity by converting stored chemical energy into electrical energy. Cells are generally configured into batteries to obtain batteries of various shapes and sizes. Battery was created in 1799. Originally, it was known as the Voltaic battery. An Italian physicist, Count Alessandro Volta is credited for the discovery of this process in 1799. He created a simple battery from metal plates and brine-soaked cardboard or paper.

A battery consists of two ends namely cathode and anode. In a battary, positive terminal is referred to as a cathode. On the other hand, anode is the negative terminal. The two terminals are connected in order to form a circuit. Electrochemical reactions that take place within a cell generates a flow of electrons from the anode to the cathode.

Batteries can be of two types –

Disposable batteries – these are also known as secondary batteries. They are disposed after being used once.

Rechargeable batteries – these are also known as primary batteries. They can be recharged, and therefore can be used multiple times.

A rechargeable battery needs to be charged before use. They are generally assembled with certain active materials in their discharged states. One needs to apply an electric current to recharge the batteries. An outside source of current is applied to push the current through the cell in the opposite direction from the original current. This electric current basically reverses the reactions (chemicals) that took place while the battery was being used in any application.

Comparison between Battery and Rechargeable Battery:

	Rechargeable Battery	Battery
Definition	A Rechargeable battery needs to be charged before use. They are generally assembled with certain active materials in their discharged state.	Battery is a collection of electrochemical cells that generate electricity by converting stored chemical energy into electrical energy.
Types	Nickel-Metal-Hydride – They are known for their effectiveness than any other disposable battery. Lithium Ion – They are known for their long lasting characteristics. Nickel Cadmium – These batteries are preferred for outdoor solar lighting. Nickel-Zinc – These are best to use for high drain devices such as cordless power tools, cordless phones, and digital cameras. Rechargeable Alkaline – These batteries are known to have a long shelf life and can be used in various applications.	Rechargeable battery – these are also known as the primary batteries. They can be researched, and therefore can be used multiple times. Examples: lead acid, nickel cadmium, lithium, etc. Disposable battery - The chemical reactions that power a disposable battery cannot be reversed. Examples: alkaline dry cells, etc.
Uses	These batteries are widely used in wireless mice/keyboards, telephone headsets, radios, pagers, cameras, calculators, walkie-talkies, remote controls, regular flashlights, toys, dispensers and faucets with automatic sensors, and much more.	Miniature batteries are used in electric watches, calculators, etc. Batteries are often used in portable equipment like flashlights, toys, portable radio and TV, mobile phones, etc. SLI batteries are used in cars, trucks and buses. They have applications in Military and eve in Aerospace ((Fuel Cells, Nickel Hydrogen, Water Activated batteries and other Alternatives) and much more.
Other names	Storage battery, or accumulator	-