Learning Objectives

5.6 Understanding the production of electrical

energy from chemical reactions.

Learning Outcomes
A student is able to :
i) Describe how a simple cell works
ii) List the various types of cells and their uses
iii) State the advantages of and disadvantages
of various types of cells
 SIMPLE CELL

Electrochemical cell
1
 THE PRODUCTION OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY BY A
SIMPLE CELL
G A simple cell consists of two
electrodes
....................... electrolyte
and an...........................
Zinc Two electrodes made of two different
Copper plate metals
................
........
................
...............
plate
salt solution
The electrolyte can be a ..........................,
dilute acid
....................... dilute alkali
or ...............................
The diagram shows a simple cell circuit.
copper (II) sulphate solution
........................................................ In the cell,
Zinc
i) .................... and copper plates are used
electrodes
as .....................
Cont 3 Zinc
ii) ................ is more reactive than copper
Cont 4 copper (II) sulphate
iii) The electrolyte used is ..............................
solution
 EXERCISE 1
 In a simple cell, the more reactive metal acts as
negative
the .......................... terminal which gives out electron
and the less reactive metals positive
acts as the ......................
terminal.
negative
positive
 In this process, the zinc plate is the ...................
electrode and the copper plate is the ......................
electrode.
electrons
zinc
 The .................. from the zinc atoms flow to the copper
electrode through the connecting wire. Thus
the .................. electrode dissolves in the electrolyte.
hydrogen
 At the copper electrode , ........................ ion from the
electrolyte receives the electrons.
negative positive
 The flow of electron from ..................electrode
electrical
to ............... electrode through the connecting wire
deflect the galvanometer. This proves that the process
produces ........................... energy.
CELL AND THEIR USAGE
Type of cells Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Transistor radio
................................. Light
............................ Non-rechargeable
............................
Dry cells
Remote control Small Not long lasting
.................................. ............................ ............................
Alarm clock
................................... Portable
.............................. Leakage may happen
..............................
Cheap
..............................
Wet cells Used in vehicles
.................................. High voltage
........................................... Heavy
............................
Rechargeable
............................................ Expensive
............................
Long-lasting
............................................ Acid might spill
..............................
Distilled water need to
..............................
be added
Alkaline Radios
.................................. Long-lasting
.........................................
Torchlights
………………………. Large current
......................................... Non-rechargeable
.....................................
batteries
Toys
………………………. Constant voltage
..........................................

Mercury Oxide Watches,

.................................. Small, long-lasting
......................................... Expensive
.......................................
Calculators, Portable Non-rechargeable
Non-rechargeable
Batteries .................................. ......................................... .......................................
Hearing aids
.................................. Steady voltage
..........................................
Constant current
Constant current ADV 5
………………………
Cameras ..........................................

Nickel-Cadmium
Use in electronic
.................................. Rechargeable
.......................................... Expensive
........................................
devices such as
Batteries Long-lasting
..........................................
digital camera
GOOD LUCK