system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: Why can I take out dead batteries, flip them around and then they suddenly become usable again?
gpt
Most cells (technically, most "batteries" are actually just one power cell, not a battery of cells, but never mind that) are strips of metal with a chemical paste between them, rolled up into the familiar shape.

The electrical capability of the battery depends on the chemical reaction between the paste and those metals. The small amount of energy you add into that reaction from the heat and motion (which latter is a bit like shaking up a soda) can allow the battery to release more of its stored energy -- sometimes *just* enough more to be over the threshold of what your device needs to work.