Energy & Environment

For electricity to flow, there has to be

something to push the electrons along. EMF

This is called an electromotive

force (EMF)

EMF is measured in volts

A battery releases EMF to a circuit which

induces current.

A battery is a group of cells which

transfer electrical energy from
chemical energy
 Because of the Electrochemical
way a battery Device
works, the power
supply is DC -
-

Chemical energy Electrical energy

Chemical reaction
between electrodes Creates a voltage
& electrolytes
Number of electrons = Number of protons

29-18=11 29-36=-7 -ve charge as

Cu 11+ +ve charge as electrons been
Cu 7-
electrons gained.
been lost.

29x Protons

18x Electrons 29x Protons

36x Electrons
 Other cells
Example of a Wet are made this
Cell way using
different
electrodes and
electrolytes

Electrochemical
Device

+
- Sulphuric acid Hydrogen &
Zinc Sulphate Ions
Copper

Negative ions Positive ions

(lots of electrons) (missing electrons)
 Zn Zn
Normally zinc contains many impurities
e.g. copper & iron Zn
Zn
These react with the zinc like the carbon Fe
Zn
electrode Cu

This takes ions away from the current Zn

Zn
and electrical power is lost.
This is minimised by coating the Fe Zn

electrode in mercury or use pure zinc

Zn
without impurities
Zn
Cu

Zn Zn Zn Zn

Zn Zn
Zn Zn
Fe Zn
Zn Zn
Cu
Zn Zn Zn Zinc
Zn

Fe Zn Zn Zn

Zn Zn
Cu Zn Zn Zn
 Cu
H
Cu
Hydrogen ions are produced in the Cu
chemical reaction between the electrodes Cu

and electrolyte Cu
Cu

Cu
Because of its charge it is attracted to the Cu
H
copper electrode Cu
Cu
H
H

Cu Cu
Hydrogen is a bad conductor of electricity. H

This increases the resistance of the

copper electrode.
 H
H

H
This can eventually stop
the flow of electrons H

This is called polarization

This can be reduced by using a depolarizer which converts the

H back into H2O. Or the rods can be cleaned with a brush.
Electrolyte is a paste Positive electrode
rather than liquid.

Unlike a wet cell the

Negative electrode
battery can work in
any position
Electrolyte Ammonium
Suitable for small
portable chloride
devices
Manganese
oxide
Do you think a potato
can act like a
battery?

How could we
increase the voltage
of this circuit?
 Disposable batteries
Used once and thrown away

Used in:

Portable device Devices away Devices only

with low current from a used
power sometimes
source
Primary cells cannot be recharged as the chemical reactions are
not easily reversible
Rechargeable batteries

Must be charged before use

Recharged by applying electric current, which reverses the
chemical reactions that occur during its use

The oldest form of rechargeable

battery is the lead-acid battery
It is a wet cell so must be kept
upright and ventilated

Heavy & Big

Low cost
Used as car
High current
batteries
Made up of a series of identical cells each
containing sets of positive and negative
plates
The voltage of lead acid cell
is normally 2 volts
So for a car battery that needs
12volts 6 cells are added in
series and encased in a plastic
box
Should never run flat. Charge when 25% of charge left
Should regularly be charged even if not is use. The
internal resistance will cause it to discharge
A battery can go completely flat without ever having been put
into service

A battery should never be stored

directly on the ground or on concrete.
A wooden pallet is best as it does not
conduct or allow damp paths but
does allow good air circulation
Fully Charged
+ -
1. The colors of the positive & negative plates become dark
brown & grey respectively
2. The electrolyte has a relative density of 1.25 to 1.30
3. Plates form of bubbles
4. The EMF or a cell is 2.0 volts

Uncharged

+ -
1. The colors of the positive & negative plates become
white due to formation of lead sulphate.
2. The electrolyte becomes dilute & its relative density lies
below 1.18.
3. The e.m.f. of the cell becomes 1.8 volts.
The plates of flooded batteries must always be fully submerged
in electrolyte.
Fill battery with distilled or de-ionized water to cover the plates
if low. Never add electrolyte.
The frequency of watering depends on usage, charge method and
operating temperature
A new battery should be checked every few weeks to determine
the watering need

Fill water level to designated level after

charging. Overfilling when the battery
is empty can cause acid spillage.
Charge in a well-ventilated area. Hydrogen gas generated during
charging is explosive.

Do not charge at temperatures above 49°C (120°F).

Over charging is bad for the battery

Although batteries can be recharged, deterioration

occurs after each cycle
 Now the hydrometer floats
Once squeezed this results in a in the acid. The density of
vacuum in the glass tube. the acid can then be read
on the floating hydrometer

Acid is then pushed

into the glass tube
due to
atmospheric
pressure.

When the battery is fully charged the cell should have a relative density of
1.25 to 1.30.
A reading of less than 1.18 means that recharging is necessary
Batteries can be very dangerous if not used correctly e.g.

Recharging a primary battery

Short circuiting a battery

When a battery is recharged at an

excessive rate

Overcharging

Disposing of a battery in fire

 EMF

1. What is EMF?
2. What type of energy is stored in a battery?
What type of energy is this transferred
to?
3. What is the difference between a wet and
dry cell?
4. What can you do to a secondary battery
that you cannot do to a primary battery?
5. Should you top up the water of a lead acid
battery before or after charging?