Thread: What is inside rechargeable batteries that makes them different from regular batteries?

Please do not give me obvious and vague responses such as "the difference is that chargeable batteries have something in them that makes them rechargeable." I would like to know exactly what the differences are.

Because, I mean essentially, why do even still have regular batteries if we can just buy a pair that we can just recharge?

Rechargeable batteries behave like ordinary batteries when they are being discharged. In other words, an electrical circuit is created when one material oxidizes, or gives up electrons, while another material immersed in an electrolyte becomes reduced, or gains electrons.

The key to a rechargeable battery, however, is that it can reverse this flow of electrons when it is plugged into an electrical outlet. The material that oxidizes during discharge gains electrons, while the other material gives up electrons.

Why do we still have non chargeable batteries? I think because people are lazy and don't want to charge them all the time.