5.2 Chemical cells & fuel cells (Triple) Flashcards
What is a cell?
A cell is composed of two electrodes dipped in an electrolyte solution. It produces electricity from a chemical reaction.
What is a battery?
A battery consists of two or more cells connected in series.
What determines the voltage
obtained from a cell?
Reactivities of metals used as electrodes and the identity and concentration of an electrolyte.
State the advantages and
disadvantages of using cells
and batteries.
Advantages:
● more or less cheap
● some are rechargeable
● a convenient source of electrical
energy
Disadvantages:
● harmful chemicals
Describe rechargeable and
non-rechargeable cells
Rechargeable:
Chemical reactions are reversed when an external current is supplied
Non-rechargeable: Reactants are used up, cannot be recharged
What is a fuel cell? (Higher)
Fuel cells are supplied by fuel and oxygen to oxidise the fuel to generate
electricity.
What are the advantages and
disadvantages of hydrogen fuel cells?
Advantages:
● no pollutants
● no recharging
Disadvantages:
● Flammable
● Hydrogen is difficult to store
● Fossil fuel production
● Toxic
chemicals
● Expensive production of H2
by electrolysis
