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BATTERIES - Primary or Secondary Batteries can either be a primary cell, such as a flashlight battery once used, throw it away, or a secondary cell, such as a car battery (when the charge is gone, it can be recharged). PRIMARY CELL: Because the chemical reaction totally destroys one of the metals after a period of time, primary cells cannot be recharged. Small batteries such as flashlight and radio batteries are primary cells. SECONDARY CELL: The metal plates and acid mixture change as the battery supplies voltage. As the battery drains the metal plates become similar and the acid strength weakens. This process is called discharging. By applying current to the battery in the reverse direction, the battery materials can be restored, thus recharging the battery. This process is called charging. Automotive lead-acid batteries are secondary cells and can be recharged. |
