Difference Between Cell and Battery
Difference Between Cell and Battery, A cell is like the smallest power unit, changing chemicals into electricity. Batteries are like a group of these cells working together to give more power. Understand the Difference Between Cell and Battery for NEET preparation.
Praveen Kushwah7 Jun, 2025
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Difference between Cell and Battery: Batteries and cells are awesome inventions of science that make our daily life super easy, especially in gadgets we use every day. They're like the powerhouse of our portable gadgets. Without them, it is hard to imagine today's life.
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Difference Between Cell and Battery Overview
For NEET aspirants, knowing the basics of cells and batteries is crucial. A cell is like the smallest power unit, changing chemicals into electricity. Batteries are like a group of these cells working together to give more power to the electrical devices. This is the table in which you can compare the functioning of each and its role in producing electrical energy. Check it out for a better understanding of the Difference Between Cell and Battery Overview.| Difference Between Cell and Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Parameter | Cell | Battery |
| Definition | A single unit that produces electrical energy. | A collection of cells grouped together. |
| Function | Generates electricity through a chemical reaction. | Combines multiple cells for a stronger and longer-lasting power supply. |
| Components | It has positive and negative ends; and contains chemicals for energy production. | Comprises multiple cells connected in series or parallel. |
| Voltage | Typically, it has a lower voltage (e.g., 1.5V for a single AA battery). | Higher voltage it is the sum of the voltages of individual cells. |
| Capacity | Limited capacity due to being a single unit. | Greater capacity compared to a single cell, as it combines energy from multiple cells. |
| Size | It is smaller in size compared to a battery. | Larger in size compared to a single cell. |
| Examples | Single-use alkaline or rechargeable NiMH cells. | Car batteries, laptop batteries, power banks, and rechargeable AA battery packs. |
Definition of a Cell
A cell is the basic unit that generates electrical energy through a chemical reaction. It has positive and negative ends and contains chemicals, such as electrolytes, that facilitate the production of electricity.Example : A common example of a cell is the alkaline AA battery. It is a single unit that provides a steady supply of electrical power for various devices like remote controls, flashlights, or small electronic gadgets.
Definition of a Battery
A battery is a collection of two or more cells connected in series or parallel. It combines the power of multiple cells to deliver a stronger and more enduring electrical supply.Example : A household example of a battery is the alkaline battery pack often used in TV remotes. It consists of multiple AA or AAA cells connected within the same casing to provide a more extended and robust power source.
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Difference Between Cell and Battery FAQs
Why are cells called batteries?
The term "battery" is derived from the Latin word "battuere," meaning "to beat" or "to strike." Originally, it referred to a series of connected cells that produced electrical energy. Over time, the term has been commonly used to describe both single cells and collections of cells, leading to the interchangeable use of "cell" and "battery" in everyday language.
What is the difference between a chemical cell and a battery?
A chemical cell and a battery are often used interchangeably, but there's a subtle difference. A chemical cell is a single unit that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. In contrast, a battery is a collection of two or more cells connected in series or parallel. So, a battery is essentially multiple chemical cells working together.
What is the difference between a battery and a fuel cell?
While both batteries and fuel cells generate electrical energy, the key difference lies in how they produce power. Batteries store electrical energy in chemical form and release it during use. In contrast, fuel cells directly convert the chemical energy of a fuel (like hydrogen) and an oxidizing agent (usually oxygen from the air) into electricity through an electrochemical reaction.
What are the different types of cells and batteries?
There are various types of cells and batteries, each with its own characteristics:
Primary Cells (Non-rechargeable): Alkaline, zinc-carbon, lithium.
Secondary Cells (Rechargeable): NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride), Li-ion (Lithium-ion).
Specialty Cells: Silver oxide, zinc-air, mercury cells (phased out due to environmental concerns).
Lead-Acid Batteries: Commonly used in car batteries.
Lithium Polymer (LiPo): Used in rechargeable consumer electronics.
What are the differences between a battery and a hydrogen cell?
A hydrogen cell, or more commonly a fuel cell, is a type of electrochemical cell that generates electricity through the reaction of hydrogen with an oxidizing agent. The main difference is the fuel source: batteries use stored chemical energy, while fuel cells rely on a continuous supply of fuel (hydrogen). Fuel cells are often considered more sustainable as they produce electricity as long as fuel is supplied, without the need for recharging like traditional batteries.
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