In the context of physics, which of the following statements correctly describes the principle behind a rechargeable electric battery?
A) A rechargeable electric battery converts mechanical energy into chemical energy during charging and chemical energy into thermal energy during discharging.
B) A rechargeable electric battery stores electrical energy directly as potential energy in the electrolyte solution.
C) A rechargeable electric battery converts electrical energy into chemical energy during charging and converts chemical energy back into electrical energy during discharging.
D) A rechargeable electric battery operates by converting chemical energy into kinetic energy during both charging and discharging.