How do batteries produce electricity through oxidation-reduction reactions?

Batteries produce electricity by harnessing oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions, which involve the transfer of electrons from a reducing agent to an oxidizing agent. To generate usable electricity rather than just heat, these reactions are physically separated into two distinct half-reactions occurring at separate electrodes.1234

The process functions as follows:

• Oxidation: At the anode, the reducing agent (typically a metal) is oxidized, meaning it gives up electrons. These electrons accumulate on the anode, creating a negative charge.235
• Reduction: At the cathode, the oxidizing agent (often a metal oxide) is reduced as it accepts electrons from the external circuit.25
• Electron Flow: Because the two reactions are separated, the electrons released at the anode are forced to travel through an external circuit to reach the cathode, creating an electric current.134
• Internal Circuit: An electrolyte connects the two electrodes internally, allowing ions to migrate and balance the charge, thereby completing the circuit.235

This flow of electrons continues until the chemical reactants are consumed or the circuit is broken.35