Difference Between Primary Cell and Secondary Cell

Battery or cells are referred to as the parallel combination of electrochemical cells. The major difference between a primary cell and the secondary cell is that primary cells are the ones that cannot be charged but secondary cells are the ones that are rechargeable.

Primary Cell

A primary cell is a type of electrochemical cell that is designed to be used once and disposed of or discarded, after its useful life. Unlike a secondary cell, which can be recharged and used multiple times, a primary cell is not rechargeable and cannot be restored to its original charge once it has been depleted. Primary cells are used in a wide range of applications, including portable electronic devices, flashlights, and other devices that require a portable power source. Some examples of primary cells include alkaline cells, zinc-carbon cells, and lithium primary cells.

Secondary Cell

A secondary cell, also known as a rechargeable cell, is a type of electrical cell that can be recharged and used multiple times. Unlike a primary cell, which is used once and then disposed of, a secondary cell can be recharged by running an electric current through it in the opposite direction of the current that is used to discharge it. Common examples of secondary cells include lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. These types of cells are used in a wide range of applications, including powering portable electronic devices, vehicles, and backup power systems.

Advantages of Primary Cell and Secondary Cell

Primary cells are cells that are designed to be used once and then discarded, while secondary cells are cells that can be recharged and used multiple times.

There are several advantages to primary cells:

• They are convenient to use because they do not require any special charging equipment.
• They are reliable because they are designed to be used only once, so there is less chance of failure due to wear and tear.
• They are widely available and can be purchased at most stores that sell batteries.

There are also several advantages to secondary cells:

• They are environmentally friendly because they can be recharged and used multiple times, reducing the need for disposable batteries.
• They are cost-effective because they can be recharged and used multiple times, reducing the need to purchase new batteries.
• They can be recharged quickly, making them convenient for use in devices that require a lot of power.

Disadvantages of Primary Cell and Secondary Cell

There are several disadvantages to primary cells:

• They are disposable, which can be wasteful and harmful to the environment.
• They can be expensive in the long run because they need to be replaced frequently.
• They may not provide as much power as secondary cells, especially for high-drain devices.

There are also several disadvantages to secondary cells:

• They require a charger, which can be inconvenient if you are on the go.
• They can develop a “memory effect,” which means that if they are not fully discharged before being recharged, their capacity can be reduced over time.
• They may not last as long as primary cells, especially if they are not properly maintained.
• They can be expensive to purchase initially, although they tend to be more cost-effective in the long run because they can be recharged and used multiple times.

Applications of Primary Cell and Secondary Cell

Primary cells are single-use batteries that are designed to be used once and then disposed of. They are typically used in applications where it is not practical to recharge the battery, such as in remote or isolated locations. Examples of primary cells include alkaline batteries, which are commonly used in household items like flashlights and remote controls, and zinc-carbon batteries, which are often used in low-drain devices like clocks and radios.

As opposed to primary cells, secondary cells are rechargeable batteries that can be used repeatedly. They are typically used in applications where it is convenient or necessary to be able to recharge the battery, such as in portable electronic devices and vehicles. Examples of secondary cells include lead-acid batteries, which are commonly used in vehicles and backup power systems, and lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in portable electronic devices.

Difference Between Primary Cell and Secondary Cell

Primary cells are the ones that cannot be recharged and have to be discarded after the expiration of their lifetime whereas, secondary cells need to be recharged when the charge gets over. Both types of batteries are used extensively in various appliances and these cells differ in size and material used in them.

Primary Cell	Secondary Cell
Primary cells are not rechargeable	Secondary cells can be recharged and used multiple times
Primary cells are typically made of non-rechargeable materials, such as zinc or carbon	Secondary cells are made of rechargeable materials like lead-acid or lithium-ion
Primary cells generally have a lower capacity than secondary cells	Secondary cells have a high capacity than primary cells
Primary cells tend to have a lower voltage than secondary cells	Secondary cells tend to have a higher voltage than primary cells
Primary cells are designed to be used once and disposed of	Secondary cells can be recycled
Primary cells are typically smaller in size than secondary cells	Secondary cells are typically larger in size than primary cells
The cost of primary cells is lower than that of secondary cells.	Secondary cells are high expensive than primary cells
Primary cells are commonly used in portable electronic devices	Secondary cells are used in applications that require a long-lasting power source, such as electric vehicles

Read, More

• Electrochemical Cells
• Galvanic Cells

FAQs on Primary and Secondary Cells

Question 1: What is the difference between a primary cell and a secondary cell?

Answer:

A primary cell is a type of electrochemical cell that is designed to be used once and then disposed of, while a secondary cell is a type of electrochemical cell that can be recharged and used multiple times.

Question 2: What are some examples of primary cells?

Answer:

Some examples of primary cells include:

• Alkaline cells 
• Carbon-zinc cells 
• Lithium cells 
• Zinc-carbon cells 

Question 3: What are some examples of secondary cells?

Answer:

Some examples of secondary cells include:

• Lead-acid batteries (e.g. car batteries)
• Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries
• Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries
• Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries

Question 4: How long do primary cells last?

Answer:

The lifespan of primary cells depends on various factors, including the type of cell, the application, and the operating conditions. In general, primary cells last longer when they are used at lower temperatures and when they are not subjected to high levels of discharge.

Question 5: How long do secondary cells last?

Answer:

The lifespan of secondary cells also depends on various factors, including the type of cell, the application, and the operating conditions. In general, secondary cells can be recharged and used multiple times before they need to be replaced. However, the number of charge-discharge cycles that a secondary cell can undergo before it reaches the end of its lifespan varies depending on the type of cell and the operating conditions.

Question 6: Can primary cells be recharged?

Answer:

Primary cells are not designed to be recharged, and attempting to recharge them can cause them to leak or explode.

Question 7: Can secondary cells be used once and then discarded?

Answer:

Secondary cells can be used multiple times and recharged, but they should not be discarded after a single use. Disposing of secondary cells prematurely can be harmful to the environment and can waste resources.

Question 8: What are the advantages of primary cells?

Answer:

Primary cells have a relatively simple design and do not require a charging device. They can also be stored for long periods of time without losing their charge.

Question 9: What are the advantages of secondary cells?

Answer:

Secondary cells can be recharged and used multiple times, which makes them more environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run. They also typically have a higher energy density than primary cells, which means that they can store more energy in a smaller volume.

Question 10: What are the disadvantages of primary cells?

Answer:

Primary cells are not reusable, so they generate more waste than secondary cells. They also tend to have a lower energy density than secondary cells, which means that they are not as efficient at storing energy.

Question 11: What are the disadvantages of secondary cells?

Answer:

Secondary cells require a charging device, and they can lose their charge if not used for an extended period of time. They also tend to be more expensive to purchase initially than primary cells.