Cells generate electricity through chemical reactions. There are several common types of cells: dry cells, mercury cells, nickel cadmium cells, and lithium ion cells. Dry cells consist of a zinc container holding a mixture of manganese dioxide and carbon powder with an electrolyte and graphite rod. Chemical reactions in the cell produce electricity that flows through connected devices. Mercury cells are similar but smaller in size and contain mercury, making them an environmental hazard. Storage cells like nickel cadmium and lithium ion cells can be recharged for reuse unlike dry and mercury cells.
3. CELLS
Cells are systems which generate electricity
through chemical changes.
The common types of cells are
Dry Cell
Mercury Cell
Nickel Cadmium Cell
Lithium Ion Cell
5. Components of a Dry Cell
The dry cell consists of a zinc container
having a mixture of manganese dioxide
and carbon powder into which a
graphite rod is inserted. In between the
mixture and the rod, there is a paste of
ammonium chloride and zinc chloride
which act as the electrolyte.
8. Working of a Dry Cell
When the zinc container and the
brass cap of the graphite rod are
connected to a device, using wires,
electricity produced by the chemical
reaction in the cell will flow through
the device.
10. Components of a Mercury Cell
The mercury cell is made by filling chemicals
like mercury, mercuric oxide, carbon powder,
zinc oxide etc in a steel container having the
size of a button. Mercury cells are used in
watches, calculators, small torches and toys.
Because of the presence of the highly
poisonous mercury, throwing them away after
use is becoming an environmental hazard.
13. Storage Cells
Dry cells and Mercury cells are not
rechargeable. Cells which can be recharged
and reused are called stoage cells. Common
examples of storage cells include
Nickel Cadmium Cell
Lithium Ion Cell