cells & batteries

• what is a cell?

  composed of two electrodes dipped in an electrolyte solution, it produces electricity from a chemical reaction
• how can a simple cell be made?

  connecting two different metals in contact with an electrolyte
• what is a battery?

  two or more cells connected together in series to provide a greater voltage
• what happens in non-rechargeable cells & batteries?

  the chemical reactions stop when one of the reactants have been used up. alkaline batteries are non-rechargeable.
• what happens in rechargeable cells & batteries?

  chemical reactions are reversed by an external electrical current
• what does the voltage produced by a cell depend on?

  • type of electrode & electrolyte
  • concentration of electrolyte/solution
  • temperature of electrolyte/solution
• cells contain chemicals which react to produce electricity