Primary and Secondary Cells (Leaving Cert Chemistry): Flashcards

Generates electrical energy via chemical reactions at electrodes

Battery = multiple cells connected; single cell often called battery

Single use, non-rechargeable batteries

Irreversible chemical reactions

$1.5V$ per cell

Zinc-carbon, alkaline, lithium batteries

Rechargeable batteries that can be reused many times

Reversible chemical reactions

$3.8V$

$2V$ per cell

Primary = higher impact; Secondary = lower impact (reusable)

$12V$ ($6$ cells $\times$ $2V$ per cell)

Infrequent use, remote locations, long shelf life needed

Frequent use, high-power applications, environmental concern