Chemical Cells & Fuels Cells- Cells & Batteries Flashcards
if we take two _________ metals and place them in an _________ we can produce electricity
if we take two different metals and place them in an electrolyte we can produce electricity
what is an electrolyte
a solution that can conduct electricity, for example a solution of an ionic compound
how long can a cell produce electricity
for a certain period of time, because the chemicals will eventually run out causing the reaction to stop
do cells always produce electricity
no, only if the two metals being used are of a different reactivity
how can we increase the potential difference produced
the greater the difference between the reactivity of the metals the gretaer the potential difference e.g. magnesium and copper
what is a battery
a battery contains two or more cells connected in a series to produce a greater voltage
are alkaline batteries rechargeable?
no, the reactants in the batteries run out and eventually no more electricity will be produced
why can some batteries be rechargeable
because we can reverse the chemical reaction when we apply an electrical current
