A battery is two or more cells connected in series. There are three main types you need to know:
| Type | Example | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Non-rechargeable (primary) | Alkaline battery (AA, AAA) | Chemicals fully used up; cannot be recharged; cheap to buy but expensive per use; disposable |
| Rechargeable (secondary) | Lithium-ion (phones, laptops) | Reversible electrochemical reactions; can be recharged hundreds of times; higher initial cost; lighter per unit energy |
| Accumulator | Lead-acid (car battery) | Type of rechargeable battery; uses lead electrodes in sulfuric acid; heavy but delivers high current; recharged by the car alternator |
Rechargeable batteries and accumulators work because the electrode reactions can be reversed by applying an external electric current — this recharges the chemicals back to their original state.
Quick Check: Give one advantage and one disadvantage of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery compared to a non-rechargeable alkaline battery.
Advantage: can be recharged repeatedly (lower long-term cost, less waste). Disadvantage: higher initial purchase cost (or: requires external power source to recharge).
This deep dive covers Batteries: Non-Rechargeable, Rechargeable and Accumulators within Fuel Cells for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Fuel Cells in Energy Changes for GCSE Chemistry with 5 exam-style questions and 6 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 4 of 13 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Fuel Cells
A simple electrochemical cell is made by placing two different metal electrodes into an electrolyte. Which statement correctly describes what affects the voltage produced?
Compare a non-rechargeable alkaline battery with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of the rechargeable battery.