electric cell

Thân thiện

A student connects an electric cell to a simple circuit in a science experiment.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A device that delivers an electric current as the result of a chemical reaction: An electric cell is a single unit that converts stored chemical energy into electrical energy, producing a direct current (DC) voltage. It is the fundamental building block of a battery.

Usage

• The term "electric cell" is used to describe a single electrochemical unit. It is a technical term common in physics, chemistry, and engineering contexts.
• Important Distinction: A single electric cell (like a standard AA or AAA unit) produces a specific voltage (e.g., about 1.5V for alkaline cells). Multiple cells connected together form a battery.

Examples

• Noun:
  • A simple voltaic cell is a type of electric cell.
  • The remote control needs a new electric cell.
  • The chemical reaction inside the electric cell produces electrons at the anode.

Advanced Usage

• "Primary cell": A non-rechargeable electric cell designed for single use. Its chemical reaction is not easily reversible.
  • Disposable flashlights typically use primary cells.
• "Secondary cell": A rechargeable electric cell. Its chemical reaction can be reversed by applying an electrical current.
  • The electric cells in a smartphone are secondary cells.
• "Electrochemical cell": A more formal scientific term synonymous with "electric cell," emphasizing the chemical processes involved.

Variants and Related Words

• Cell (n): A common shortened form of "electric cell."
  • The battery pack contains six individual cells.
• Battery (n): A collection of two or more electric cells connected together to provide a higher voltage or current.
  • A 9V battery often contains six small 1.5V cells.
• Fuel cell (n): A device that generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction using an external fuel supply, such as hydrogen. It is not a single electric cell in the traditional storage sense but operates on similar principles.

Synonyms

• Electrochemical cell: The formal scientific term.
• Galvanic cell: A specific type of electric cell that generates electrical energy from spontaneous redox reactions.
• Voltaic cell: Named after Alessandro Volta; another term for a galvanic cell.

Related Phrases

• Dry cell: A common type of electric cell where the electrolyte is contained in a low-moisture paste, making it less prone to leakage.
  • Most household batteries are dry cells.
• Wet cell: An electric cell that uses a liquid electrolyte.
  • Early car batteries were wet cells.
• Cell potential / voltage: The electric potential difference between the two terminals of an electric cell when no current is flowing.

Notes

• The term "electric cell" is precise and refers specifically to the single unit. In everyday language, people often use the word "battery" interchangeably, even for a single cell (e.g., a "AA battery" is technically a single AA cell). In scientific and technical writing, the distinction is important.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a device that delivers an electric current as the result of a chemical reaction

Từ đồng nghĩa

• cell