What Is The Difference Between Cell And Battery?
Cells and batteries are two devices that have given us a reliable source of power and they are used in practically every aspect of our lives, from electronics to cars. Without cells and batteries, we would not have been able to enjoy the convenience and comfort of modern life.
Though similar in a few aspects, batteries and cells are different in some key areas.
A cell contains chemical energy sources like gasoline, propane, or natural gas. To produce electricity, it transforms these sources into electrical energy.
In contrast, a battery often contains electrical energy that has already been produced or that is easily rechargeable.
Let’s look at the other differences between cells and batteries, but first, let’s define the two.
What is a cell?
A cell is a device that produces electricity through chemical reactions. It contains chemical energy, such as natural gas, and converts the available resources into electrical energy.
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Every cell has two terminals, namely:
- Anode: An anode is the terminal from which current flows in and out.
- Cathode: The cathode is the terminal from where the current flows out.
There are various types of cells, such as primary, galvanic, electric, fuel, solar, and so on. Cells are primarily used in watches, toys, remotes, etc.
What is a battery?
A battery is a device composed of one or more cells that convert the chemical energy contained in them directly into electrical energy. It is a collection of interconnected cells that can produce an electric current. In most cases, the cells are arranged in series and parallel configurations to provide the desired voltage and current output.
There are mainly two types of batteries:
- Primary: Batteries that are non-chargeable.
- Secondary: Batteries that are chargeable.
Batteries also have two terminals - anode and cathode. They are mainly used in electronic gadgets and equipment, such as torches, mobile phones, laptops, cars, etc.
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Difference between cell and battery
| Cell |
Battery |
| A single-unit device that transforms chemical energy into electrical energy. |
A collection of cells. |
| Can be classified as reserved, wet, or dry depending on the electrolytes that are used. |
Can be classified as either a primary battery or a secondary, depending on whether it can be recharged. |
| Small and compact in size. |
Bigger and bulky in size. |
| Supplies power for shorter periods of time. |
Supplies power for longer periods of time. |
| Typically used for simpler, lower-energy tasks. |
Typically used for heavier-loaded tasks. |
| Used in portable and less power-requiring objects, like watches and lamps. |
Used in devices that demand more power, like vehicles and electronic gadgets. |
Symbol of cell
A cell is denoted by this symbol in physics:
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Symbol of battery
A battery is denoted by this symbol:
The primary difference between cell and battery is that a cell is a single unit that produces electricity whereas a battery is a combination of multiple cells connected in series and/or parallel. We hope that this article was helpful in explaining the differences between cells and batteries.
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