Chemical cells Flashcards
What is an electrochemical cell?
A basic system made up of two different electrodes in contact with an electrolyte.
What is a battery?
2 or more cells connected in series.
Why can’t non-rechargeable batteries be reused?
The reactants get used up.
It is an irreversible reaction.
Why can rechargeable batteries be reused?
The reaction can be reversed by connecting it to an external electric current.
It is a reversible reaction.
What is a fuel cell?
A type of electrochemical cell that uses a fuel + oxygen to produce energy efficiently.
What are the advantages of fuel cells?
High efficiency
Less pollution than traditional methods
Compact and lightweight
Reliable
What are the disadvantages of batteries?
Made from toxic metal compounds
Disposal can cause pollution
Short lifetime compared to hydrogen fuel cells
What are the pros of hydrogen fuel cells?
Only require hydrogen and oxygen which are abundant
Don’t produce pollutants
Less polluting to dispose of
What are the cons of hydrogen fuel cells?
Hydrogen takes more space to store than fossil fuels or batteries
Hydrogen is explosive when mixed with air so storage is dangerous
