AQA · GCSE · Chemistry
Course version: 8462 · Version from Sept 2018
In non-rechargeable cells and batteries the chemical reactions stop when…
Full specification wording
Cells and batteries: In non-rechargeable cells and batteries the chemical reactions stop when one of the reactants has been used up. Alkaline batteries are non-rechargeable.
A non-rechargeable cell, often called a primary cell, produces electricity from chemical reactions at its electrodes.
Checked against the AQA 8462 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 5 of 7
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
A non-rechargeable cell, often called a primary cell, produces electricity from chemical reactions at its electrodes. The reactants are sealed inside and are used up as the cell discharges. When one reactant is exhausted, the reaction can no longer continue, so the voltage falls to zero and the cell is flat. The reaction is not easily reversed in the cell, so the cell cannot be recharged by passing current through it. Alkaline batteries are a common example of non-rechargeable batteries; they are discarded once flat. This differs from rechargeable cells, where the reactions can be reversed by an external current. The key idea is that a non-rechargeable cell has a limited amount of reactant, so its lifetime is finite.
What earns the marks
- Non-rechargeable cells are primary cells that produce electricity from chemical reactions.
- The reactants inside the cell are used up as the cell discharges.
- When one reactant is used up, the chemical reaction stops and the cell no longer produces a voltage.
- The reactions in a non-rechargeable cell are not readily reversed by an external current.
- Alkaline batteries are examples of non-rechargeable batteries.
- A non-rechargeable cell has a finite lifetime because its reactants are limited.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Saying the cell runs out of electrons.
Put it right by explaining that a reactant is used up, so the reaction stops.
Claiming alkaline batteries can be recharged.
Put it right by stating that alkaline batteries are non-rechargeable.
Thinking the voltage gradually falls only because of resistance.
Put it right by linking the fall to depletion of a reactant.
Exam tips
- Name the reactant that is used up rather than saying the cell is empty.
- Use the phrase non-rechargeable and give alkaline batteries as the example.
- Contrast with rechargeable cells by stating that the reaction cannot be reversed in a non-rechargeable cell.
Try the lesson
The start of the Cells and batteries: In non-rechargeable cells and batteries the chemical reactions stop when one of the reactants has been used up. Alkaline batteries are non-rechargeable. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Why does a non-rechargeable cell eventually stop producing electricity?
Listen
A non-rechargeable cell, often called a primary cell, produces electricity from chemical reactions at its electrodes. The reactants are sealed inside and are used up as the cell discharges. When one reactant is exhausted, the reaction can no longer continue, so the voltage falls to zero and the cell is flat. The reaction is not easily reversed in the cell, so the cell cannot be recharged by passing current through it. Alkaline batteries are a common example of non-rechargeable batteries; they are discarded once flat. This differs from rechargeable cells, where the reactions can be reversed by an external current. The key idea is that a non-rechargeable cell has a limited amount of reactant, so its lifetime is finite. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Non-rechargeable cells are primary cells that produce electricity from chemical reactions. The reactants inside the cell are used up as the cell discharges. When one reactant is used up, the chemical reaction stops and the cell no longer produces a voltage. The reactions in a non-rechargeable cell are not readily reversed by an external current. A common slip: Saying the cell runs out of electrons. Instead, explaining that a reactant is used up, so the reaction stops. Exam tip: Name the reactant that is used up rather than saying the cell is empty.
See it
Put it in order
Put these steps in the order they happen.
- 1. Chemical reaction stops
- 2. Alkaline batteries are non-rechargeable and are discarded once flat
- 3. Voltage falls to zero and the cell is flat
- 4. Non-rechargeable cell (primary cell)
- 5. Produces electricity from chemical reactions at its electrodes
- 6. Reaction is not easily reversed, so the cell cannot be recharged
- 7. Reactants sealed inside are used up as the cell discharges
- 8. One reactant is used up
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Non-rechargeable cell
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Reactants
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Alkaline batteries
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Discharge
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See every definition
- Non-rechargeable cell
- A cell that produces electricity from chemical reactions and cannot be recharged by passing current through it.
- Reactants
- The substances sealed inside the cell that are used up as the cell discharges.
- Alkaline batteries
- A common example of non-rechargeable batteries, which are discarded once flat.
- Discharge
- The process during which the reactants inside the cell are used up.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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