Science report
Today’s topic is: How does an Electrical cell work?
Introduction
Ok, so Electrical cell right….so this is a chemistry topic it involves the work of chemicals and ions. So what is an ion?
Ions
An ion is a charged atom or molecule. It is charged because the number of electrons does not equal the number of protons in the atom or molecule. An atom can acquire a positive charge or a negative charge depending on whether the number of electrons in an atom is greater or less than the number of protons in the atom.
Aluminum – Al. +3(cation)
Barium – Ba. +2(cation)
Calcium – Ca. +2(cation)
Chlorine- Cl- (anion)(Not onion)
Cell
A cell is a basic electrochemical unit that contains the electrodes, separator, and electrolyte. (a single part of battery)
Battery
A battery or battery pack is a collection of cells or cell assemblies, with housing, electrical connections, and possibly electronics for control and protection. (collection of cells)
Do you know: Our brain produces enough electricity to light a 2v bulb. Keep thinking!
Anode and Cathode
For rechargeable cells, the term anode (or negative electrode) designates the electrode where oxidation is taking place during the discharge cycle; the other electrode is the cathode (or positive electrode). During the charge cycle, the positive electrode becomes the anode and the negative electrode becomes the cathode. For most lithium-ion cells, the lithium-oxide electrode is the positive electrode.
Electrolyte
A substance that when molten in a solution, ionized and then the solution starts conducted electricity.
Working
Batteries convert chemical energy directly to electrical energy. In many cases, the electrical energy released is the difference in the cohesive or bond energies of the metals, oxides, or molecules undergoing the electrochemical reaction. For instance, energy can be stored in Zn(Zinc) or Li(Lithium), which are high-energy metals because they are not stabilized by d-electron bonding, unlike transition metals. Batteries are designed so that the energetically favourable redox reaction can occur only when electrons move through the external part of the circuit.
The voltage developed across a cell’s terminals depends on the energy release of the chemical reactions of its electrodes and electrolyte.
Primary batteries
Primary batteries, or primary cells, can produce current immediately on assembly. These are most commonly used in portable devices that have a low current drain, are used only intermittently, or are used well away from an alternative power source, such as in alarm and communication circuits where other electric power is only intermittently available. Disposable primary cells cannot be reliably recharged, since the chemical reactions are not easily reversible and active materials may not return to their original forms.
Secondary batteries
Secondary batteries, also known as secondary cells, or rechargeable batteries, must be charged before first use; they are usually assembled with active materials in the discharged state. Rechargeable batteries are (re)charged by applying electric current, which reverses the chemical reactions that occur during discharge/use. Devices to supply the appropriate current are called chargers.
Serious fact: If a cell is ingested into the body it may leak and lead to tissue damage and even death.
Homemade cells
Almost any liquid or a moist object that has enough ions to be electrically conductive can serve as the electrolyte for a cell. As a novelty or science demonstration, it is possible to insert two electrodes made of different metals into a lemon, potato, etc. and generate small amounts of electricity. “Two-potato clocks” are also widely available in hobby and toy stores; they consist of a pair of cells, each consisting of potato with two electrodes inserted into it, wired in series to form a battery with enough voltage to power a digital clock. Homemade cells of this kind are of no practical use.
Fun fact: Sony company has created a biological cell that generates electricity from sugars similar to how the body makes energy. It generated electricity with the use of enzymes that break down carbohydrates.
To the good use
Since Li-ion batteries contain less toxic metals than other types of batteries which may contain lead or cadmium, they are generally categorized as non-hazardous waste. Li-ion battery elements including iron, copper, nickel and cobalt are considered safe for incinerators and landfills. These metals can be recycled, usually by burning away the other materials, but mining generally remains cheaper than recycling. Recycling may cost 210rs/kg. In the past, not much was invested into recycling Li-ion batteries due to cost, complexity and low yield.
Many types of batteries employ toxic materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium as an electrode or electrolyte. When each battery reaches the end of life it must be disposed of to prevent environmental damage. Batteries are one form of electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste recycling services recover toxic substances, which can then be used for new batteries.
Bye! Have a great time
Science Maniac 