Absorption - The taking up or retention of one material by another by chemical or molecular action.
UPS (Uninterruptible Power supply) - An electrical device providing an interface between the main power supply and sensitive loads (computer systems, instrumentation, etc.). The UPS supplies sinusoidal AC power free of disturbances and within strict amplitude and frequency tolerances. It is generally made up of a rectifier/charger and an inverter together with a battery for backup power in the event of a mains failure.
Battery cells - The interconnected battery elements that supply electrical power created by electrolytic reaction.
Passivation - The phenomenon by which a metal, although in conditions of thermodynamic instability, remains indefinitely unattacked because of modified or altered surface conditions.
Duty Cycle - The operating regime of a battery including factors such as charge and discharge rates, depth of discharge, cycle duration, and length of time in the standby mode.
Constant Current Discharge - A battery discharge regime whereby the current drawn during the discharge remains constant.
Cathode - The electrode in an electrochemical cell where reduction takes place. During discharge, the positive electrode of the cell is the cathode. During charge in a rechargeable battery, the negative electrode is the cathode.