The components of a dry cell

The components of a dry cell

ZIMSEC O Level Combined Science Notes: The dry electric cell

  • About 1.5 V is produced in a dry cell
  • This voltage falls as the voltage falls as the cell goes “flat” as the chemicals are used up
  • A dry cell is an adaptation of theĀ simple cell
  • It is also known as a primary cell because the chemicals withing the cell are used up
  • Primary cells cannot be recharged as the chemical reactions which generate current are not reversible
  • The most common dry cells use:
  • zinc as the negative electrode and
  • carbon as the positive electrode
  • Ammonium chloride in paste form is used as the electrolyte
  • Powdered carbon and manganese oxide are placed around the positive electrode to depolarise the cell
  • Dry cells are used to power low power consuming items such as torches and transistor radios
  • They are gradually falling out of favor giving way to rechargeable
  • Nickel-cadmium types as well as other recyclable materials
  • That can be recharged and last longer

To access more topics go to the Combined Science Notes page.