AQA · GCSE · Chemistry
Course version: 8462 · Version from Sept 2018
Batteries consist of two or more cells connected together in series to…
Full specification wording
Cells and batteries: Batteries consist of two or more cells connected together in series to provide a greater voltage.
A single cell produces a voltage from the potential difference between its two different electrodes in an electrolyte.
Checked against the AQA 8462 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 4 of 7
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
A single cell produces a voltage from the potential difference between its two different electrodes in an electrolyte. One cell gives only a small voltage, so a battery joins two or more cells in series: the positive terminal of one cell connects to the negative terminal of the next. In series, the voltages add, so two 1.5 V cells give 3 V and three give 4.5 V. The cells must be connected the same way round; reversing one cell subtracts its voltage instead of adding it. A battery therefore provides a greater voltage than one cell, which drives a larger current through a circuit and can power devices needing more energy per unit charge. The cells inside a battery are not separate objects in the circuit; together they form one source with a combined voltage.
What earns the marks
- A cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy using two different electrodes in an electrolyte.
- A battery contains two or more cells connected together.
- The cells in a battery are connected in series, positive terminal to negative terminal.
- In series the individual cell voltages add to give the total battery voltage.
- Connecting cells the same way round increases voltage; reversing a cell reduces the total.
- A greater battery voltage can drive a larger current through a given circuit.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Saying a battery is just a bigger cell.
Put it right by stating that a battery is two or more cells joined in series.
Adding voltages when cells are connected the wrong way round.
Put it right by checking each cell's orientation and subtracting a reversed cell's voltage.
Confusing voltage with current or energy.
Put it right by saying voltage is the energy transferred per unit charge and current is the rate of charge flow.
Exam tips
- State clearly that the cells are in series and that their voltages add.
- Use a simple calculation, such as two 1.5 V cells giving 3 V, to show the addition.
- If asked to compare, link higher battery voltage to a larger current in the same circuit.
Try the lesson
The start of the Cells and batteries: Batteries consist of two or more cells connected together in series to provide a greater voltage. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A battery is made by connecting two identical cells together in series. What is the purpose of connecting the cells in this way?
Listen
A single cell produces a voltage from the potential difference between its two different electrodes in an electrolyte. One cell gives only a small voltage, so a battery joins two or more cells in series: the positive terminal of one cell connects to the negative terminal of the next. In series, the voltages add, so two 1.5 V cells give 3 V and three give 4.5 V. The cells must be connected the same way round; reversing one cell subtracts its voltage instead of adding it. A battery therefore provides a greater voltage than one cell, which drives a larger current through a circuit and can power devices needing more energy per unit charge. The cells inside a battery are not separate objects in the circuit; together they form one source with a combined voltage. A strong answer earns marks for these points. A cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy using two different electrodes in an electrolyte. A battery contains two or more cells connected together. The cells in a battery are connected in series, positive terminal to negative terminal. In series the individual cell voltages add to give the total battery voltage. A common slip: Saying a battery is just a bigger cell. Instead, stating that a battery is two or more cells joined in series. Exam tip: State clearly that the cells are in series and that their voltages add.
Key words
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Battery
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Series
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Voltage
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Cell
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See every definition
- Battery
- Consists of two or more cells connected together in series to provide a greater voltage.
- Series
- The positive terminal of one cell connects to the negative terminal of the next, so the voltages add.
- Voltage
- The energy transferred per unit charge, which drives a larger current through a circuit when greater.
- Cell
- Produces a voltage from the potential difference between its two different electrodes in an electrolyte.
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