voltaic cell
Definition
Noun: * Primary Cell, Galvanic Cell: A device that produces a direct electric current through an irreversible electrochemical reaction. It converts chemical energy into electrical energy and is typically not designed to be recharged after its chemical reactants are depleted.
Usage
A voltaic cell is a fundamental source of portable electrical power. It is used when a single-use, disposable power source is required. * The scientist demonstrated the principle of electricity using a simple voltaic cell with zinc and copper electrodes. * Common alkaline batteries are a commercial type of sealed voltaic cell.
Advanced Usage
- Electrochemical Series: The voltage a voltaic cell produces is determined by the difference in the standard electrode potentials of its two half-cells, as listed in the electrochemical series.
- Internal Resistance: The practical usefulness of a voltaic cell is limited by its internal resistance, which causes voltage to drop under load.
Variants and Related Words
- Galvanic Cell (n): A direct synonym for voltaic cell.
- Primary Cell (n): A synonym emphasizing that the cell is not rechargeable.
- Electrolytic Cell (n): The opposite type of electrochemical cell, which uses electrical energy to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction (e.g., for recharging a battery or electroplating).
- Battery (n): A common term for a single voltaic cell or, more often, a combination of two or more cells connected together to provide a higher voltage or current.
Synonyms
- Galvanic cell
- Primary cell
- Electrochemical cell (in the specific context of generating current)
Antonyms
- Electrolytic cell
- Storage cell (e.g., a rechargeable battery like a lithium-ion cell)
Related Phrases/Concepts
- Anode and Cathode: In a voltaic cell, the anode is the negative electrode where oxidation occurs, and the cathode is the positive electrode where reduction occurs.
- Salt Bridge: A component, often a tube containing an electrolyte, that connects the two half-cells of a voltaic cell to maintain electrical neutrality by allowing ion flow.
- Electromotive Force (EMF): The voltage generated by the cell when no current is flowing.
Noun
-
an electric cell that generates an electromotive force by an irreversible conversion of chemical to electrical energy; cannot be recharged
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