Dry cell

Definition

A dry cell is a type of electrochemical cell that uses a low-moisture paste as an electrolyte, allowing it to operate in any orientation without spilling. It is commonly used in portable electronic devices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dry cells typically use zinc as the anode and manganese dioxide as the cathode.
2. The electrolyte in a dry cell is a paste rather than a liquid, often containing ammonium chloride.
3. Dry cells are primary batteries, meaning they are not rechargeable.
4. They have a relatively high energy density and are convenient for small, portable devices.
5. The voltage output of a typical dry cell is around 1.5 volts.

Related terms

Electrolyte:

A substance that produces an electrically conducting solution when dissolved in water.

Primary Battery: A battery designed to be used once and discarded, not intended for recharging.

Secondary Battery: A rechargeable battery that can be charged and discharged multiple times.