A battery is essentially one or more galvanic cells connected together in series or parallel to provide a higher voltage or current, while a galvanic cell is a single electrochemical cell that converts chemical energy into electrical energy.
Galvanic Cell vs. Battery: Key Differences
Here's a breakdown of the key differences between a galvanic cell and a battery:
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Galvanic Cell: A single electrochemical cell that uses spontaneous redox reactions to generate electricity. It consists of two half-cells (anode and cathode) connected by a salt bridge or porous membrane.
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Battery: A device consisting of one or more galvanic cells connected in series, parallel, or a combination of both to provide a desired voltage and current. It serves as a packaged source of electrical energy. Batteries contain all the necessary reactants within the device to generate electricity through chemical reactions.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Galvanic Cell | Battery |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A single electrochemical cell. | A collection of one or more galvanic cells. |
| Function | Converts chemical energy to electrical energy. | Provides a portable source of electrical energy through chemical reactions. |
| Components | Anode, cathode, electrolyte, salt bridge/membrane. | Multiple cells (anodes, cathodes, electrolytes), terminals, casing. |
| Voltage | Typically provides a lower voltage. | Provides a higher voltage depending on the number and arrangement of cells. |
| Example | Daniell cell. | AA battery, lithium-ion battery in a phone. |
| Reactants | Reactants are part of the basic cell setup. | Contains all necessary reactants within the device. |
In summary, a battery is essentially a convenient package of one or more galvanic cells designed to deliver electricity. Think of a galvanic cell as a single unit, while a battery is a collection of these units working together.
