An electrochemical cell is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical

energy. The electric cells provide a direct current (D.C) to the electric appli
ances like torch bulb. This current has a unique direction and it flows from the
positive termianl to the negative terminalof cell through the electric applianc
e as in the bulb in case of a torch light.
In an electric cell the chemical energy is converted in to electricity when it s
ends current in a circuit.
Generally an electric cell consists of two conducting rods, called the elctrodes
. the electrodes of the cell are immersed in as solution kept in a vessel called
electrolyte.

The elecric cells are of two types. Namely

i. Primary cells
ii. Secondary cells

Primary cells
In primary cells, chemical energy is converted into electrical energy,
In primary cells, the chemical reactions are irreversible.
Primary cells cannot be recharged.

Secondary cells
In secondary cells, electrical energy is converted into chemical energy, and che
mical energy is converted back into electrical energy again.
In secondary cells, they are reversible
Secondary cells can be recharged, and used again and again.
The lead acid battery, the nickeliron cell and the nickelcadmium cell are some exa
mples of secondary cells.
In comparison to a dry cell, a lead acid battery has a higher EMF. Once exhauste
d, it can be recharged and reused. However, a lead acid battery is costlier and
heavier than a dry cell. A solar cell converts sunlight into electricity.
Difference between the primary cell and secondary cell
Primary Cell Secondary Cell
1. Chemical reaction is irreversible.
2.Only chemical energy is converted into electrical energy when current is drawn
from it.
3.It can not be recharged.
4. Its internal resistance is high.
5. It is capable of giving weak current only.
6. It is light and cheep.
Examples: Simple voltaic cell, Leclanche cell, Daniel cell, dry cell. 1. Chemi
cal reaction is reversible.
2. Electrical energy converts into chemical energy when current is passed in it
(i.e, during charging), while chemical energy converts into electrical energy wh
en current is drawn from it (i.e, during discharging).
3. It can be charged.
4. Its intermal resistance is low.
5. It can provide low as well as high current.
6. It is heavy and costly.
Examples: Lead (or acid) accumulator, Ni-Fe (or alkali) accumulator, Li-H batter
y.

Relationship among the electro motive force, terminal voltage and internal resis
tance:

Potential difference
The potential difference between two points in in an electric circuit is defined
as the amount of work done in moving a unit positive charge from one point to t
he other desired point.
Potential difference = work done / Quantity of charge moved
Example
If we say the potential difference between two points is 3 volt it does mean tha
t 3 joule of work is done in moving a unit positive charge between those points.

Terminal voltage
Terminal voltage= the actual potential difference across the terminals of the su
pply when a current is being supplied.