- #1
amrisha16
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what is difference between an electric cell and a battery?
Difference between an electric cell and a battery?
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the differences between an electric cell and a battery, exploring definitions, historical context, and language usage within the field of electrochemistry. Participants address both theoretical distinctions and practical implications.
Discussion Character
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
- Meta-discussion
Main Points Raised
- One participant defines a cell as a basic electrochemical unit that converts chemical energy to electrical energy, while a battery is described as a collection of cells designed to supply current.
- Another participant disagrees, suggesting that a cell is a single pair of electrodes and that a battery refers to a stack of cells, drawing a parallel to the term's historical usage related to artillery.
- A participant notes that the distinction between cell and battery has become less rigid over time, reflecting on their teaching experience and societal language changes.
- Discussion includes the terminology used for solar cells, with one participant emphasizing that they are referred to as cells rather than batteries, even when used in series.
- A participant references a science dictionary definition of battery, implying that it requires multiple objects, which raises questions about the inclusion of single cells in the term's usage.
- Humorous remarks about the etymology of "battery" and its application to other contexts, such as "battery hens," are made, contributing to the light-hearted tone of the discussion.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the definitions and usage of the terms "cell" and "battery," indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a clear consensus.
Contextual Notes
Some participants highlight the evolving nature of language in scientific terminology and the historical context of the terms, which may affect their current understanding and usage.
- #2
Studiot
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Good question.
The cell is the basic single electrochemical unit which converts chemical energy to electrical energy.
Some cells are not meant to supply current, and are just used as a voltage reference eg the Weston Standard Cell.
Some cells are naturally formed under water droplets and lead to corrosion (rusting). These are called corrosion cells.
A single cell has an anode and a cathode, each with its own chemical reaction. Each reaction is known as a half cell. So a single cell is a combination of a pair of half cells. In the laboratory we may connect the half cells by means of a salt bridge, to study or use the effects, but keep the half cells separate.
Batteries are meant to supply current (power) to drive some apparatus. They may be only a single cell or they may be made up of several cells in series so a 9volt battery contains 6 x 1.5 volt cells.
Hope this helps
The cell is the basic single electrochemical unit which converts chemical energy to electrical energy.
Some cells are not meant to supply current, and are just used as a voltage reference eg the Weston Standard Cell.
Some cells are naturally formed under water droplets and lead to corrosion (rusting). These are called corrosion cells.
A single cell has an anode and a cathode, each with its own chemical reaction. Each reaction is known as a half cell. So a single cell is a combination of a pair of half cells. In the laboratory we may connect the half cells by means of a salt bridge, to study or use the effects, but keep the half cells separate.
Batteries are meant to supply current (power) to drive some apparatus. They may be only a single cell or they may be made up of several cells in series so a 9volt battery contains 6 x 1.5 volt cells.
Hope this helps
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- #3
sophiecentaur
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Actually, I'd slightly disagree with that. afaik, a (voltaic) cell is a single pair of electrodes - whether low power or a D type, supplying more than an Amp.
The term 'Battery' refers to a stack of Cells (in the same way that a 'Battery' of guns consists of a number of them ("two or more pieces of artillery in the field", in one dictionary).
The word 'battery' derives from 'bashing' or hitting (assault and battery). A number of guns will achieve this very nicely and I think the term then applied in that way (more effective way of bashing the enemy). Thence, a stack, or battery, of cells would provide more oomph than a single voltaic cell.
When I started teaching Science, about 20 years ago, everyone was really up themselves about making the distinction between the terms. Students who used the term 'battery' for an AA cell were treated as complete morons. It's cooled down a bit now and who would dream of asking for a 'box of AAA cells' in a shop, any more than asking for 50N of potatoes?
Myself, I couldn't giveadamn; I'm just responding to the question in a pseudo intellectual sort of way.
Interestingly enough, we always talk of Photovoltaic / solar Cells not batteries - even when we use loads of them in series. language marches on. . . . .
The term 'Battery' refers to a stack of Cells (in the same way that a 'Battery' of guns consists of a number of them ("two or more pieces of artillery in the field", in one dictionary).
The word 'battery' derives from 'bashing' or hitting (assault and battery). A number of guns will achieve this very nicely and I think the term then applied in that way (more effective way of bashing the enemy). Thence, a stack, or battery, of cells would provide more oomph than a single voltaic cell.
When I started teaching Science, about 20 years ago, everyone was really up themselves about making the distinction between the terms. Students who used the term 'battery' for an AA cell were treated as complete morons. It's cooled down a bit now and who would dream of asking for a 'box of AAA cells' in a shop, any more than asking for 50N of potatoes?
Myself, I couldn't giveadamn; I'm just responding to the question in a pseudo intellectual sort of way.
Interestingly enough, we always talk of Photovoltaic / solar Cells not batteries - even when we use loads of them in series. language marches on. . . . .
- #4
gnurf
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I think 'loads of them in series' would collectively be referred to as a solar panel, where multiple panels could further be assembled into a solar array. But with 20 years as a science teacher, you already knew this, so I'm not sure why I even bother writing this. Have a nice day :)sophiecentaur said:
- #5
sophiecentaur
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Likewise.
- #6
sophiecentaur
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(I mean the nice day bit - not the "why you bothered" bit)
- #7
Studiot
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My science dictionary has
Battery:
General term for a number of objects cooperating together, eg a number of accumulator cells, dry cells, capacitors, radars, boilers, guns etc.
So I suppose this implies there has to be more than one object.
Whilst I have always realized the multiple aspect I has clearly been acting like a pleb all these years thinking multiple includes one.
Thank you for the insight SC.
Battery:
General term for a number of objects cooperating together, eg a number of accumulator cells, dry cells, capacitors, radars, boilers, guns etc.
So I suppose this implies there has to be more than one object.
Whilst I have always realized the multiple aspect I has clearly been acting like a pleb all these years thinking multiple includes one.
Thank you for the insight SC.
- #8
sophiecentaur
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I must say, I enjoyed the 'bashing' root of the word!
p.s. what about Battery Hens?
Cluck cluck.
p.s. what about Battery Hens?
Cluck cluck.
- #9
Studiot
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You've been watching too much Nick Park.
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