What type of energy is primarily produced by a battery?

The primary type of energy produced by a battery is electrical energy. A battery works on the principle of converting chemical energy stored within its cells into electrical energy through electrochemical reactions. When a battery is connected to an external circuit, the chemical reactions that occur within the battery create a flow of electrons, which is the essence of electrical energy.

While chemical energy is indeed the energy that the battery has in storage, the question specifically asks about the energy produced when the battery is functioning and providing power. The primary output of a battery during its operation is electrical energy, which is why that option would be the correct answer in this context.

It's important to note that the other types of energy mentioned—mechanical and thermal—are not the forms of energy primarily associated with the functioning of a battery. Mechanical energy usually refers to the energy of motion or position, while thermal energy relates to heat. In the context of a battery's main output, electrical energy remains the focus.