A diode allows current to pass easily in one direction and blocks current in the other direction. A zener diode is a diode which allows current to flow in one direction as normal and will also allow current flow in the reverse direction when the voltage is above a certain value. This value is called the breakdown voltage.

Connecting the 8 batteries in series multiplies their voltage while keeping their current the same yielding a 72V 5A configuration. Connecting the 8 batteries in parallel multiplies their current while keeping their voltage the same yielding a 9V 40A configuration. Using a series-parallel connection, 4 batteries can be connected in series and 4 can be connected in parallel resulting in a 36V 20A configuration.

A diode allows current to pass easily in one direction and blocks current in the other direction.

Capacitors store electricity and are used in circuits as temporary batteries. Capacitors are charged by DC current (AC current passes through a capacitor) and that stored charge can later be dissipated into the circuit as needed. Capacitors are often used to maintain power within a system when it is disconnected from its primary power source or to smooth out or filter voltage within a circuit.

All electricity is the movement of electrons which are subatomic particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom. Electrons occupy various energy levels called shells and how well an element enables the flow of electrons depends on how many electrons occupy its outer (valence) electron shell.