Transcript Batteries
Batteries
A galvanic cell, or more commonly, a
group of galvanic cells connected in
series where the potentials of the
individual cells are added to give the
total battery potential.
They are a portable source of direct
current (D.C.)
Series vs. Parallel
If connected in
series, the total
voltage of the
battery is the
sum of the
voltages of each
individual cell.
If connected in
parallel, the
voltage of the
battery will be
that of one of the
individual cells.
Series Vs. Parallel
Each cell is
consumed at the
same rate
simultaneously
Each cell is
consumed one at
a time, so the life
(capacity) of the
battery is
extended.
Dry Cell Batteries
• Acidic version – 1.5 volts
–Invented over 100 yrs ago by
George LeClanche
–Composed of a zinc inner case
(anode) and a carbon rod
(cathode) in contact with a moist
paste of solid MnO2, solid NH4Cl
(pH).
Dry Cell Battery Cont’d.
Alkaline version- 1.5 volts
• NH4Cl is replaced with KOH or NaOH.
Zinc is oxidized, MnO2 is reduced.
–Tends to last longer as zinc does
not corrode as quickly under
basic conditions.
Dry Cell Battery
Alkaline version Cont’d.
• In Lithium cells, Li is the anode with
most likely MnO2 as oxidizing agent.
–Voltage is @ 3.0
Silver I oxide cell:
Zinc is the anode
with Ag2O as the oxidizing agent.
• Has a 1.5 volt potential.
Fuel Cells
A Galvanic cell in which the reactants
are continuously supplied from an
outside source.
Hydrogen is oxidized, and Oxygen is
reduced producing water.
Extremely efficient but very expensive.
Gives a 0.9 volt potential
Fuel Cells Cont’d
Used in powering space shuttle
Being developed for replacement of
lead/acid battery in vehicles.
Storage Batteries
(Rechargeables)
The Lead Storage Battery
• Functions for several years under
extreme temperatures and roughest
of roads.
• Lead serves as the anode and lead
coated with lead IV oxide serves as
the cathode. Sulfuric Acid serves as
the salt bridge or electrolyte.
Storage Batteries Cont’d.
Lead Storage Battery:
• Each cell provides 2.0 volts w/ 6
cells in series for a total of 12volts.
• Multiple plates of Pb/PbO2 in each
cell are in parallel for long life.
• It is recharged as the motor runs,
the rxn is reversed. (alternator)
Storage Batteries Cont’d.
Ni/Cd
Battery
• Cd is oxidized, Nickel is reduced
from NiOOH to Ni(OH)2
• 1.4 voltage
• Reaction is reversible when
electricity is applied to the battery
with the recharger.