SIMPLE VOLTAIC CELL &

ADVANTAGES AND
DISADVANTAGES OF
VARIOUS VOLTAIC CELL

SIMPLE VOLTAIC CELL

Chemical

energy transformed into

electrical energy.
Chemical energy
electrical
energy
2)A Simple voltaic cell consists of :
A) two electrodes (metal or carbon)
B)an electrolytes solution.

SIMPLE VOLTAIC CELL

SIMPLE VOLTAIC CELL

Metals

that are located higher up in

the electrochemical series (more
electropositive metals) will act as
negative metals( electrodes).
Metals located lower in the
electrochemical series( less
electropositive metals) will act as
the positive terminals.

SIMPLE VOLTAIC CELL

A simple voltaic cell using magnesium
ribbon and silver plate using silver
sulphate solution.
1) Negative electrode :
2) Mg(s)
Mg2+ + 2 e
Observation : Magnesium ribbon dissolves
3) Positive electrode :
Ag+(aq) + e
Ag(s)
Observation : Shiny grey solid is formed.

SIMPLE VOLTAIC CELL

Overall

ionic equation :
Mg(s) + 2Ag+ (aq)
Mg2+(aq) +2Ag (s)
The

further the two metal

electrodes are apart in the reactivity
series, the greater the deflection
on the galvanometer, or the greater
the voltage.

simple voltaic cell using zinc plate

and iron plate using
copper(II)sulphate solution. Draw the
diagram.
Identify the :
i.Negative electrode, half equation,
observation.
Ii.positive electrodes,half equation,
observation.
Iii. Overall equation

1. Negative electrode :
Zn (s)
Zn2+ (aq) + 2e
Observation : Zinc plate dissolve
2. Positive electrode :
Cu2+ (aq) + 2e
Cu (s)
Observation

: Brown solid formed

Overall equation :
Zn (s) + Cu2+ (aq)
Zn2+ (aq) + Cu (s)

Explanation:
shaped like a button, supplies 1.2v.
Uses: Watch ,camera
Advantages :
Long lasting
Provides fixed current and voltage
Disadvantage :
Cannot be recharged

Explanation: Consist of six lead acid cells connected

in series, supplies 12 V
Uses: Car battery
Advantages :
Can be recharged
Provides large and fixed current for a long period of
time
Disadvantages :
Heavy and expensive
Acid could spills easily
Easily spoil if not taken care properly

Explanation :Operates on the same principles as

an accumulator but uses different material
Uses : Mobile phones, emergency light system.
Advantages :
Long lasting, Rechargeable, Chemical substance
does not spills easily
Disadvantage :
Expensive

Explanation:most commonly used chemical

cell, supplies 1.5v
Uses: Radio, Torchlight
Advantages :
easy to carry because very light
Provides a fixed current
Disadvantages :
Not long-lasting
Cannot be recharged

Explanation : Similar to dry cells but uses a

different electrolytes, supplies 1.5 V
Uses: Radio, Torchlight
Advantages :
Long lasting
Provides fixed and larger current than a dry cell
Disadvantages :
Not rechargeable
Expensive

Do it Yourself!!
a) Draw out the simple voltaic cell
using the lead and copper metal and
Sodium Chloride.
- label the terminal negative,positive
and flow of electron.
b) How is the chemical changes of
simple voltaic cell?

COMPARISON BETWEEN
THE ELECTROLYTIC AND
THE VOLTAIC CELL

SIMILARITIES
- Contains electrolyte solution
- Contains electrodes
- Involves chemical changes
- Electrons move from anode to cathode
- Anions and cations move in the electrolyte

DIFFERENCES
ELECTROLYTIC
CELL

DIFFERENCES

VOLTAIC CELL

BASIC
STRUCTURE
Electrical energy
chemical
energy

ELECTRIC
CHANGES

chemical
energy
Electrical energy

Negative terminal
Positive terminal

CATHODE
ANODE

Positive terminal
Negative terminal

ELECTROLYTIC
CELL

DIFFERENCES

VOLTAIC CELL

BASIC
STRUCTURE
Uses battery

Anode
Cathode

BATTERY
REQUIREMEN
T
TRANSFER OF
ELECTRONS
IN THE
CIRCUIT

Does not use

battery
Cathode
Anode