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Difference Between Cell and Battery - Types, FAQs

Difference Between Cell and Battery - Types, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:05 PM IST

This article discusses the difference between cell and battery, the difference between cell padding and cell spacing, the function of cell and battery, difference between fuel cell and battery.
Batteries are the source of electric current that is used to start an automobile. small appliances like watches, clocks, radios, and other electric machines. A group of electrochemical cells which is a device for interconverting chemical and electrical energy is called a battery. In a spontaneous chemical reaction, the energy is released which is taken by batteries to form electricity.

This Story also Contains
  1. Types of Battery
  2. What is the difference between a cell and a battery?
  3. Working principle of galvanic cell

CellFigure 1 Cell

Types of Battery

  1. Primary battery

Background wave

Here, in these cells, electrode reaction is not reversed by flowing an external electrical current and reaction happens only once and after the completion of the reaction. It has become used and dead.

For example Dry cell and mercury cell

  1. Secondary battery

Here, in these cells, electrode reactions can be reversed by flowing an external electrical current and hence can be recharged and used again and again.

For example Lead-acid storage cell and Ni-Cd cell.

Also read -

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What is the difference between a cell and a battery?

Cell and battery difference is given below.

Cell
Battery
It is a device that carries out the interconversion of ions between chemical energy and electrical energy
A battery is a group of electrochemical cells, a device for interconverting chemical and electrical energy.
It is light and compact because it is a single unit.It is bulky and heavy as it is a combination of cells
The power supply of cell is for a short durationThe power supply of batteries is for long hours.
It is used in devices that require less energy such as lamps, radio, remote control devices, etc.It is mostly used in inverters, heavy automobiles, construction, electric appliances, and many more.
Cost-wise it is cheapWhereas batteries are costly.
They are classified on the basis of electrolytes used in the column.
  1. Dry cell
  2. Wet cell
  3. Reserve cell
  4. Fuel cell
They are classified into two types which are primary battery and secondary battery.
  1. Primary battery
  2. Secondary battery
A single electrochemical unit means one anode and one cathode and the electrolyte.It is a collection of cells in series or parallel.

Selection of Electrodes

Electrodes are always classified on the basis of process and are never classified on the basis of charge or polarity. It is emphasized on the fact that greater the reduction potential, reduction takes place on that electrode, and that respective electrode acts as the cathode and vice versa independent of the nature of the cell under consideration.

Anode Negative Loss of electron or oxidation takes place

Cathode Positive Gain of electron or reduction takes place

Galvanic cells consist of two half cells that are anodic and cathodic and the cell reaction is of redox type. In a voltaic cell, oxidation takes place at the anode and reduction at the cathode in the cell. This is represented in Figure 1 which shows that the zinc rod is treated as an anode that is immersed in ZnSO4 solution and the copper rod is treated as a cathode that is immersed in CuSO4 solution.

Working principle of galvanic cell

In a galvanic cell, the anode and cathode metal strip is dipped in electrolyte and the oxidation and reduction reaction takes place simultaneously. In a galvanic cell, there is a voltage difference between the electrolyte and metal. When the two metals are joined with the wire, the current flow due to the potential difference between metal and electrolyte in an electrochemical cell.

Anode

The reactive metal zinc is treated as an anode that is dipped in a salt solution of zinc sulphate. The zinc atom will move in the salt solution to form zinc ion Zn2+.

The reaction is shown below.

reaction

This will not allow the extra zinc ion to go in the solution.

The positive charge will move near the rod and the extra positive charge of the solution will move around the negative potential difference formed between the electrode and the electrolyte. In anode oxidation reaction takes place. During oxidation reaction electrons are released.

Cathode: Some metals like (Cu, Ag. Au etc.,) and many more are found to have the opposite propensity when placed in contact with their aqueous ions then the ions from the solution will get deposited on the metal rod in the electrochemical cell.

The following equilibrium will be established .

Reaction

So the rod will have deficiency of electron (positive charge). The extra negative charge will move around the positively charged rod and form a double layer. This electrical double layer is established and the potential difference is formed between the rod and the solution known as electrode potential. At cathode, reduction occurs. In reduction, gain of electrons take place.

Their electrode potential can be represented by ECu2+.

Also, students can refer,

Oxidation half reaction:

Oxidation half reaction (loss of electrons)

Reduction half reaction:

Reduction half reaction (gain of electrons)

Overall reaction:

reaction

Salt Bridge:

The electrolyte in the salt bridge should be such that the speed of its cation equals the speed of its anion in the electric field. The salt bridge connects the solution of the two half cells by completing the circuit. The salt bridge helps to maintain the electric neutrality of the solution to form a continuous flow of current. Mainly KNO3 or NH4 NO3 is used to form salt bridge. The removal of salt bridge leads to voltage drop to zero.

Also check-

NCERT Chemistry Notes:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is difference between cellspacing and cellpadding?

Cell padding provides space within the cells or columns and cell spacing provides space outside the cell or columns.

2. What does the battery consist of?

Battery consists of  several anodes and cathodes with electrolyte or it is an arrangement of many electrochemical cells in series or parallel to provide energy.

3. What is a battery cell?

It is an electric battery or electrochemical cell. Electrochemical cells are of two types Galvanic cell and Electrolytic cell.


Galvanic cell/voltaic cell: It contains a spontaneous chemical reaction which generates an electric current.


Electrolytic cell: Here, an electric current drives a non spontaneous reaction. 

4. What is fuel cell and its difference with battery?

Here, reactants, the products and electrolytes are all constantly passing through the cell and converting chemical energy into electrical energy. For example Hand O2 fuel cells.

5. Which cell is used in automobiles and inverters?

Mostly, lead storage cells are used in automobiles and inverters.

6. What is the difference between primary and secondary batteries?
Primary batteries are designed for single-use and cannot be recharged once depleted. Secondary batteries, also known as rechargeable batteries, can be recharged and used multiple times by reversing the chemical reactions through an external power source.
7. How do lithium-ion batteries differ from traditional lead-acid batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries have a higher energy density, longer lifespan, and faster charging capabilities compared to lead-acid batteries. They use lithium ions moving between electrodes instead of lead and acid reactions, making them lighter and more efficient for many applications.
8. What is the difference between a dry cell and a wet cell?
A dry cell uses a paste electrolyte, while a wet cell uses a liquid electrolyte. Dry cells are typically more portable and less prone to leakage, while wet cells often have higher capacities and can be recharged more easily.
9. What is the memory effect in batteries?
The memory effect is a phenomenon observed in some rechargeable batteries, particularly nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, where they appear to "remember" smaller capacities when repeatedly charged after only partial discharge. This results in a temporary loss of usable capacity.
10. How do flow batteries work?
Flow batteries store energy in liquid electrolytes contained in external tanks. During operation, these electrolytes are pumped through a cell stack where chemical energy is converted to electrical energy. This design allows for easy scaling of capacity by simply increasing the size of the electrolyte tanks.
11. What is the main difference between a cell and a battery?
A cell is a single unit that converts chemical energy into electrical energy, while a battery is a collection of two or more cells connected in series or parallel to provide a higher voltage or current.
12. What is the difference between energy density and power density in batteries?
Energy density refers to the amount of energy a battery can store per unit volume or mass, while power density is the rate at which the battery can deliver that energy. High energy density batteries store more energy, while high power density batteries can deliver energy quickly.
13. What is the role of an electrolyte in a battery?
The electrolyte in a battery serves as a medium for ion transport between the electrodes. It facilitates the flow of ions to complete the electrical circuit and allows the chemical reactions at the electrodes to occur, enabling the conversion of chemical energy to electrical energy.
14. How does overcharging affect a battery?
Overcharging can severely damage a battery by causing excessive heat generation, gas formation, and electrolyte decomposition. This can lead to reduced capacity, shortened lifespan, and in extreme cases, battery swelling, leakage, or even explosion.
15. What is the significance of the standard electrode potential in electrochemistry?
The standard electrode potential is a measure of the tendency of a chemical species to be reduced. It helps predict the direction of electron flow in electrochemical cells, determine cell voltages, and calculate the feasibility of redox reactions.
16. How does a galvanic cell work?
A galvanic cell works by harnessing a spontaneous redox reaction to generate electrical energy. It consists of two half-cells with different electrodes and electrolytes, connected by a salt bridge. Electrons flow from the anode (oxidation) to the cathode (reduction) through an external circuit, producing an electric current.
17. What is the function of a salt bridge in an electrochemical cell?
The salt bridge in an electrochemical cell serves three main functions: 1) It completes the electrical circuit by allowing ion flow between half-cells, 2) It maintains electrical neutrality in both half-cells, and 3) It prevents direct mixing of the electrolytes from each half-cell.
18. Why can't a single half-cell produce electricity?
A single half-cell cannot produce electricity because it lacks a complete circuit. To generate an electric current, there must be a flow of electrons, which requires both an oxidation reaction (losing electrons) and a reduction reaction (gaining electrons). A complete cell with two half-cells is necessary to create this electron flow.
19. What determines the voltage of a battery?
The voltage of a battery is determined by the difference in reduction potentials between the cathode and anode materials. It also depends on the number of cells connected in series, with each cell adding its voltage to the total.
20. How does a fuel cell differ from a traditional battery?
A fuel cell continuously converts chemical energy to electrical energy as long as fuel (typically hydrogen) and an oxidizer (usually oxygen) are supplied. Unlike traditional batteries, fuel cells do not store energy internally and can operate indefinitely with a constant fuel supply.
21. How does depth of discharge affect battery life?
Depth of discharge (DoD) refers to how much of a battery's capacity is used before recharging. Generally, shallower discharges (lower DoD) lead to longer battery life, as deep discharges can cause more stress and degradation to the battery materials.
22. How does electrode porosity affect battery performance?
Electrode porosity affects the surface area available for reactions and the movement of ions. Higher porosity can increase capacity and rate capability by providing more reaction sites and easier ion transport. However, excessive porosity can reduce the electrode's mechanical stability and volumetric energy density.
23. What is the concept of "battery passivation" and how does it affect performance?
Battery passivation occurs when a thin layer of reaction products forms on the electrode surface, inhibiting further chemical reactions. In some cases, this can protect the electrode and extend battery life. However, excessive passivation can increase internal resistance and reduce capacity. The impact on performance depends on the specific battery chemistry and usage patterns.
24. Why do batteries eventually die even when not in use?
Batteries can die even when not in use due to self-discharge, a process where internal chemical reactions slowly deplete the stored charge. This occurs due to impurities in the electrolyte, electrode degradation, or side reactions between the electrodes and electrolyte.
25. How does temperature affect battery performance?
Temperature significantly affects battery performance. High temperatures can increase chemical reaction rates, potentially improving short-term performance but accelerating degradation. Low temperatures slow down chemical reactions, reducing battery capacity and performance.
26. How does the internal resistance of a battery affect its performance?
Internal resistance in a battery causes voltage drop and heat generation during discharge. As internal resistance increases (often with age or use), the battery's ability to deliver current decreases, reducing its overall performance and efficiency.
27. How do solid-state batteries differ from conventional liquid electrolyte batteries?
Solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one. This design potentially offers higher energy density, improved safety (reduced risk of leakage and fire), and longer lifespan. However, they are currently more challenging and expensive to manufacture at scale.
28. What is the function of a separator in a battery?
The separator in a battery is a permeable membrane that physically separates the positive and negative electrodes while allowing ions to pass through. It prevents short circuits between the electrodes and helps control the rate of ion transfer.
29. What is the difference between nominal voltage and terminal voltage in a battery?
Nominal voltage is the reference voltage of a battery, often used for labeling. Terminal voltage is the actual voltage measured across the battery terminals, which can vary depending on the state of charge, load, and other factors.
30. How do supercapacitors compare to batteries?
Supercapacitors store energy electrostatically rather than through chemical reactions. They can charge and discharge much faster than batteries and have a longer cycle life, but typically have lower energy density. They are often used for applications requiring rapid energy delivery.
31. What is the role of additives in battery electrolytes?
Additives in battery electrolytes can serve various purposes, including improving conductivity, enhancing electrode stability, preventing unwanted side reactions, and forming protective layers on electrodes. They play a crucial role in optimizing battery performance and longevity.
32. How does the concept of capacity differ between primary and secondary batteries?
In primary batteries, capacity refers to the total amount of energy that can be extracted before the battery is depleted. In secondary batteries, capacity often refers to the amount of charge that can be stored and retrieved in each cycle, which may decrease over time with repeated use.
33. What is the significance of the C-rate in battery specifications?
The C-rate is a measure of the rate at which a battery is charged or discharged relative to its capacity. A 1C rate means the battery would be fully charged or discharged in one hour. Higher C-rates indicate faster charging or discharging, which can affect battery performance and lifespan.
34. How do redox flow batteries differ from conventional batteries?
Redox flow batteries store energy in liquid electrolytes held in external tanks. During operation, these electrolytes are pumped through a cell stack. This design allows for independent scaling of power (determined by the cell stack size) and energy capacity (determined by tank size), offering unique flexibility for large-scale energy storage.
35. What is the role of the anode and cathode in a discharging battery?
During discharge, the anode is the negative electrode where oxidation occurs, releasing electrons into the external circuit. The cathode is the positive electrode where reduction takes place, accepting electrons from the external circuit. This flow of electrons from anode to cathode generates the electric current.
36. How does the concentration of electrolyte affect battery performance?
Electrolyte concentration affects ion mobility and conductivity. Higher concentrations generally improve conductivity up to a point, but excessive concentration can lead to increased viscosity and reduced ion mobility. The optimal concentration balances these factors to maximize battery performance.
37. What is meant by the "plateau voltage" of a battery?
The plateau voltage refers to the relatively constant voltage maintained by a battery during most of its discharge cycle. This plateau occurs when the main electrochemical reaction is dominant, and its length is an indicator of the battery's useful capacity.
38. How do metal-air batteries work?
Metal-air batteries use a metal anode (often zinc or lithium) and an air cathode. Oxygen from the air is reduced at the cathode, while the metal anode is oxidized. These batteries can have high energy densities due to the use of atmospheric oxygen, but managing the air supply and preventing unwanted reactions can be challenging.
39. What is the difference between energy efficiency and coulombic efficiency in batteries?
Energy efficiency is the ratio of energy output to energy input in a complete charge-discharge cycle, accounting for all energy losses. Coulombic efficiency is the ratio of charge extracted from the battery to charge put into it, focusing solely on the transfer of electrons without considering voltage differences.
40. How does the Nernst equation relate to battery voltage?
The Nernst equation describes how the voltage of an electrochemical cell depends on the concentrations of reactants and products. It allows for the calculation of cell potential under non-standard conditions, accounting for changes in concentration as the battery discharges.
41. What is the significance of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) in lithium-ion batteries?
The SEI is a thin layer that forms on the anode surface in lithium-ion batteries during the first few charge cycles. It acts as a protective barrier, preventing further electrolyte decomposition while allowing lithium ions to pass. The stability and properties of the SEI greatly influence battery performance and longevity.
42. How do sodium-ion batteries compare to lithium-ion batteries?
Sodium-ion batteries operate on similar principles to lithium-ion batteries but use sodium ions instead of lithium. They potentially offer lower costs due to the abundance of sodium, but currently have lower energy densities. They are being explored as an alternative, especially for large-scale stationary energy storage.
43. What is the difference between a battery's theoretical capacity and its practical capacity?
Theoretical capacity is the maximum amount of charge a battery can deliver based on its active materials and reactions. Practical capacity is the actual usable capacity, which is always lower due to factors like incomplete reactions, internal resistance, and the need to maintain battery health.
44. What is meant by the "voltage window" of a battery?
The voltage window refers to the range of voltages within which a battery can safely operate. Operating outside this window (overcharging or over-discharging) can lead to irreversible chemical changes, reduced capacity, or safety hazards.
45. How do thermal runaway events occur in batteries, and why are they dangerous?
Thermal runaway occurs when heat generation in a battery exceeds heat dissipation, leading to a rapid temperature increase. This can trigger further exothermic reactions, potentially causing fire or explosion. It's particularly dangerous in high-energy-density batteries like lithium-ion, where it can lead to catastrophic failure.
46. What is the role of graphite in many lithium-ion battery anodes?
Graphite is commonly used as an anode material in lithium-ion batteries because it can reversibly intercalate lithium ions between its layers. It provides good electrical conductivity, structural stability, and a relatively high capacity for lithium storage, contributing to the battery's overall performance and longevity.
47. How does the concept of "state of health" differ from "state of charge" in batteries?
State of charge (SOC) refers to the current level of charge in a battery relative to its capacity. State of health (SOH) indicates the overall condition and capacity of a battery compared to its original specifications, reflecting long-term degradation due to usage and aging.
48. What is the principle behind self-healing batteries?
Self-healing batteries incorporate materials or mechanisms that can repair minor damage automatically. This might involve using polymers that can reconnect if broken, or designing electrodes that can restructure themselves. The goal is to extend battery life by mitigating the cumulative effects of small-scale damage during cycling.
49. How do battery management systems (BMS) contribute to battery performance and safety?
Battery management systems monitor and control various aspects of battery operation, including voltage, current, and temperature. They help optimize charging, prevent overcharging or over-discharging, balance cells in multi-cell batteries, and can shut down the system if unsafe conditions are detected, thereby enhancing performance, safety, and longevity.
50. What is the difference between gravimetric and volumetric energy density in batteries?
Gravimetric energy density is the amount of energy stored per unit mass of the battery, typically expressed in Wh/kg. Volumetric energy density is the energy stored per unit volume, usually in Wh/L. Both are important for different applications - gravimetric for mobile applications where weight is crucial, and volumetric for applications where space is limited.
51. How do extreme temperatures affect the chemical reactions in batteries?
Extreme temperatures significantly impact battery chemical reactions. High temperatures accelerate reactions, potentially increasing short-term performance but also speeding up degradation processes. Low temperatures slow down chemical reactions and ion movement, reducing capacity and power output. Both extremes can lead to irreversible damage and shortened battery life.
52. How do "beyond lithium-ion" technologies like lithium-sulfur or lithium-air batteries work?
Beyond lithium-ion technologies aim to achieve higher energy densities. Lithium-sulfur batteries use sulfur cathodes and lithium anodes, potentially offering higher capacity. Lithium-air batteries use oxygen from the air as a cathode reactant, promising even higher energy densities. Both face challenges in cycle life, efficiency, and practical implementation that are subjects of ongoing research.
53. What is the role of nanotechnology in improving battery performance?
Nanotechnology in batteries involves using materials structured at the nanoscale to enhance performance. This can include nanostructured electrodes for increased surface area and faster ion transport, nanocomposite materials for improved stability, or nanocoatings to protect electrode surfaces. These approaches can lead to higher capacity, faster charging, and improved longevity.
54. How does the concept of "rate capability" relate to battery performance?
Rate capability refers to a battery's ability to deliver its capacity at different charge or discharge rates. A battery with good rate capability can maintain high capacity even when charged or discharged quickly. This is important for applications requiring rapid energy delivery or charging, and it's influenced by factors like electrode design, electrolyte properties, and internal resistance.
55. What are the principles behind solid-state electrolytes, and how might they revolutionize battery technology?
Solid-state electrolytes are ion-conducting materials that replace liquid electrolytes in batteries. They potentially offer higher energy density, improved safety (reduced risk of leakage and fire), and the possibility of using metallic lithium anodes. Challenges include achieving high ionic conductivity at room temperature and maintaining good contact with electrodes. If successfully implemented, they could lead to batteries with significantly higher energy density and improved safety.

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