leclanche cell
A student connects a Leclanche cell to a small light bulb in a science experiment.
Noun: A Leclanché cell is a type of primary (non-rechargeable) voltaic cell, historically significant as an early form of the common dry cell battery. It produces a nominal voltage of approximately 1.5 volts through a chemical reaction involving a zinc anode, a carbon cathode surrounded by a manganese dioxide depolarizer, and an ammonium chloride electrolyte.
The term is used to refer specifically to this historical electrochemical cell design. It is most commonly encountered in historical, scientific, or educational contexts when discussing the development of batteries. * The Leclanché cell was a major advancement in portable electrical power sources. * Early telegraph systems often relied on a Leclanché cell for operation.
- Historical Prototype: The Leclanché cell is considered the direct forerunner of the modern zinc-carbon dry cell. When discussing battery technology evolution, it is often cited as a key development.
- The modern AA battery evolved from the basic principles of the Leclanché cell.
- Dry Cell: A modern, portable descendant of the Leclanché cell with a paste electrolyte instead of a liquid, making it less prone to leakage.
- Zinc-Carbon Battery: The common technical name for the commercial successor to the Leclanché cell.
- Voltaic Cell / Galvanic Cell: The broader scientific categories to which the Leclanché cell belongs. These are cells that convert chemical energy into electrical energy.
- Primary Cell (in a general sense, as it is not rechargeable)
- Anode: The negative terminal (zinc electrode) in a Leclanché cell.
- Cathode: The positive terminal (carbon rod) in a Leclanché cell.
- Electrolyte: The ammonium chloride solution or paste that allows ion flow.
- Depolarizer: The manganese dioxide mixture that prevents hydrogen bubble buildup on the cathode.
A student connects a Leclanche cell to a small light bulb in a science experiment.
- voltaic cell that produces approximately 1.5 volts