Electrochemistry and Batteries
This week we focus on electrochemistry, which involved reactions in which there is a transfer of electrons. Of course one of the key places where we use these reactions is in batteries. For discussion this week I want you to talk about the impact that rechargable battery technology has had on society. What things are now possible that were not before? How has the advent of battery driven devices, like cell phones, ipods, etc. effected society as a whole? What has happened to the demand for elements like lithium and the rare earth metals?