CELLS AND BATTERIES

Voltaic Cell Is a package of chemicals designed to produce small amounts of electricity. Electricity comes from chemical reactions inside the cell. A BATTERY is a connection of two or more cells.

What is inside the cell? ELECTRODES: two strips of different metals which are used to conduct the electrons in a cell. One is called an ANODE, the other CATHODE. ELECTROLYTE: a solution or paste which conducts the electrical charge by chemical reactions. ELECTRODES are immersed in the ELECTROLYTE. They chemically break down, releasing ELECTRONS which are then conducted by the cell to produce energy.

Types of Cells There are two main types of cells: DRY CELLS – called “dry” because chemicals are in a paste and are sealed to prevent chemicals from leaking Example: AA batteries

Dry Cell

WET CELLS – called “wet” because they use liquid electrolytes, usually acids; generally cheaper and easier to make Example: Car battery

Wet Cell

Kitchen Chemistry!

The dry and wet cells can be classified even further: whether or not they can be RECHARGED. PRIMARY CELLS – meaning they produce electricity from chemical reactions that cannot be reused. SECONDARY CELLS – meaning an external electrical source (plug-in) can run electricity back though the cell and this recharges the original reactants. Then the cells can be used over and over again (i.e. cell phone batteries)

ECO-FRIENDLY SOLUTIONS FUEL CELLS SOLAR CELLS Generates electricity from a fuel source outside the cell. Fuel source has no harmful by-products. Soccket Ball https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA6vSSll08I Converts the sunlight into electrical energy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR6vnFR8AnU