Self-Instruct
In today's technologically advanced world, the use of portable devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and electronic toys has become widespread. These devices are powered by cell or battery. Although the terms cell and battery are often used interchangeably, they have different meanings.
A cell is an electrochemical device that produces electrical energy by converting chehttps://www.google.com/d/drive/folders/1--ejl0aJYv6UAMxB6UdchWyplNr-fnRGmical energy. A battery, on the other hand, is a collection of cells. It contains two or more cells that are connected together to provide a higher voltage or longer life. In simple words, a battery is a combination of cells that work together to produce electrical energy.
Each cell consists of two electrodes, an anode, and a cathode, and an electrolyte. The electrodes are made up of different materials that are specifically chosen for their electrochemical behavior. When the electrodes are dipped in an electrolyte solution, a chemical reaction takes place that produces electrons. The electrons flow from the anode to the cathode through an external circuit, generating an electrical current.
One of the most significant differences between cells and batteries is their voltage. A cell generally produces a lower voltage than a battery. For example, an alkaline cell typically produces 1.5 volts, while a battery made up of several cells can produce anywhere from 6 volts to 48 volts or more.
Another key difference between cells and batteries is their size. Cells come in various shapes and sizes depending on their use. Some cells are small enough to fit in a wristwatch, while others are large enough to power a car. On the other hand, batteries generally come in standard sizes, such as AA, AAA, C, or D cells, that are commonly used in electronic devices.
The lifespan of cells and batteries also differs significantly. Cells can last anywhere from a few hours to several months or years, depending on their chemistry and usage. For example, a zinc-carbon cell typically lasts for around 1,000 hours, while a lithium-ion cell can last for several years. Batteries, on the other hand, last longer than cells since they contain multiple cells. A battery's lifespan depends on the number of cells, the chemistry, and usage.
Furthermore, cells and batteries have different chemical compositions. There are several types of cells available in the market, such as zinc-carbon cells, alkaline cells, nickel-cadmium cells, lithium-ion cells, etc., each with a unique chemical composition. Likewise, batteries are also available in different chemistries, such as lead-acid batteries, alkaline batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, lithium-ion batteries, etc. Each chemistry has its unique set of advantages and disadvantages, making them suitable for specific applications.
Cells and batteries also differ in terms of maintenance. Cells are usually sealed and maintenance-free since they contain all the necessary components, such as the electrodes, electrolyte, and separator, inside a single container. Once the cell is exhausted, it needs to be replaced. In contrast, batteries require regular maintenance, such as cleaning, charging, and checking the water levels in lead-acid batteries.
Another critical difference between cells and batteries is their applications. Cells are commonly used in small electronic devices such as watches, calculators, and remote controls, where a low voltage and small size are required. Batteries are used in portable devices, electronic toys, cars, buses, solar panels, and UPS, where more substantial voltage and longer life are required.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the difference between cells and batteries mostly depends on their voltage, size, lifespan, chemical composition, maintenance, and applications. A cell is the basic electrochemical device that produces electrical energy, while a battery is a collection of cells. Understanding the differences between cells and batteries can help us make informed decisions when choosing a power source for our devices.