Difference between primary and secondary batteries
Difference between primary batteries and secondary batteries
are in tabular form below –
Primary Battery |
Secondary Battery |
Primary batteries are not reversible i.e. once they get discharge, they cannot be charged again. | Secondary batteries are reversible and can be easily charged by electrical supply. |
Irreversible reactions occur on it. | Reversible reaction occurs on it. |
Primary batteries can be used once. | Secondary batteries can be used more than one time |
Their internal resistance is very high. | They possess very low internal resistance. |
There is no fluid in the cells hence it is also termed as dry cells. | They are made up of wet cells (filled and liquid cells) and molten salt (liquid cells with dissimilar composition) |
It’s design is smaller and lighter | Its design is more complex and heavier. |
Its initial cost is cheap. | Its initial cost is high. |
They can be easily used. | In comparison to primary batteries they are difficult to handle. |
They have relatively short lives. | They Have a long life. |
They cannot be used as storage devices. | They may be used as energy storage devices. (E.g. solar thermal energy converted to chemical energy ) |
It Functions only as galvanic cells. | It Function both as galvanic and electrolytic cells |
Can be used as long as the material is active in their composition | Can be used again and again by recharging the cells. |
Mostly used for intermediate work with low current rates. | Can be used for condition rating with heavy load currents. |
Used in portable devices as they produce current immediately. | Needs to be charged before use and used in automobiles. |
Have lower self discharge rate and can store power. | Have a higher self discharged rate compared to primary cells. |
Example of primary battery : Daniel cell , Dry cells | Examples of secondary battery: lead-acid cells, Ni-Cd cells etc.
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