Secondary cells

Question 1

Define: secondary cell

Answer 1

cells that can be recharged and renewed

Question 2

2 types of secondary cells?

Answer 2

lithium-ion cells and nickel-metal hydride cells

Question 3

Everyday life examples of secondary cells?

Answer 3

in most portable things - cars, mobile phones, laptops…

Question 4

What happens as the cell discharges (not being charged up)

Answer 4

acts as a galvanic cell

• spontaneous redox reaction
• anode is negative and is oxidised

Question 5

What happens as the cell recharges (is being charged up)

Answer 5

acts as an electrolytic cell

• reaction reversed
• non=spontaneous redox reaction
• anode is positive and is reduced

Question 6

What is the purpose of recharging a cell?

Answer 6

To convert the products into their original reactiants

Question 7

How does recharging actually work?

Answer 7

Connect cell to charger - source of electrical energy with a potential difference a little higher than the cell
Connect positive terminals of both cell and charger and vice versa
Electrical energy from charger converted to chemical energy
Products formed during discharge must remain in contact with the electrodes in a convertible form.