Electricity and Electrochemical Cells

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the fundamental concepts of electricity production, the distinction between primary and secondary cells, and specific defects like polarisation in voltaic cells.

Electricity

A form of energy that exists due to the presence of charged particles which, when moving as a current, produce effects such as heat, light, and a magnetic field.

Cell

A device which converts chemical energy into electrical energy

Primary Cell

A type of cell where the chemicals inside change irreversibly.

Secondary Cells

Reversible cells that can be recharged by passing an electric current through the cell in the opposite direction to restore their original composition.

Lead-acid cell

A specific example of a secondary cell used in car batteries.

Battery

A collection of two or more individual cells connected together.

Polarisation

A defect in a voltaic cell that occurs when positive hydrogen ions coat the copper electrode (anode), creating a back $\text{emf}$ and causing a drop in the cell's $\text{emf}$.

Back $\text{emf}$

An opposing electromotive force set up during polarisation that results in hydrogen ions tending to go back into solution, behaving like the zinc cathode and reducing the cell's overall output.