(Initial condition: not able to exchange particlesThen, open valve)

(Initial condition: not able to exchange particlesThen, open valve)

the potential step between S1 and S2 is V,the electrical potential.

wire (analog of valve)

the potential step between S1 and S2 is V,the electrical potential.

;

If V in place, then

Gradients in chemicalpotential drive the ionstoward the electrodes,resulting in electricalcurrents during the discharge process.

When the battery is in storagei.e., not discharging, electronsaccumulate near the negativeelectrode and are depleted near the positiveelectrode, I.e. both charge up.electrochemical stepsdevelop at the interfaces, stoppingdiffusion of ions.