General description of the battery (Mitsubishi Colt 4)

The battery is the first link in the chain of mechanisms that operate to power the engine. In our car it is of the lead-acid type, consisting of six cells connected in series to form a battery to produce 12 volts. Each of the six cells (cans) contains a certain number of positive and negative plates, separated by a short distance and suspended in an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid. The two types of plates are made of dissimilar metals. This causes a chemical reaction that produces a current flowing out of the battery when its positive and negative terminals are connected to an electrical drive - a lamp, a motor, etc. The continuous flow of electrons eventually converts the acid in the electrolyte into water and makes the two plates identical in chemical composition. As electrical energy is "removed" from the battery, its voltage drops. Thus, measuring the battery voltage and the composition of the electrolyte are ways of monitoring the battery's ability to produce voltage. When the engine is started, electrical energy is "removed" from the battery. However, if the battery charging circuit is in good condition and operating conditions are normal, the energy expended by the battery will be recaptured by the generator, which sends electrons back through the battery, in the opposite direction to the normal flow, and returns the battery to its original chemical state.

The battery and starter are connected by very thick electrical wires designed to reduce resistance to current. The main power wire from the battery goes directly to the starter, while other electrical consumers are connected by thinner wires. When the starter is running, voltage from the battery is sent to the starter, and it is grounded through the car body and the negative battery terminal wire.