RFPrimary vs. Secondary Battery: Key Differences
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primary
secondary
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This article explores the differences between primary and secondary batteries.
Figure 1: Examples of dry and wet cell batteries.
Dry cells are examples of primary batteries (non-rechargeable). Wet cells can be either primary (non-rechargeable) or secondary (rechargeable) batteries.
Let’s delve into a detailed comparison.
Primary vs. Secondary Batteries: A Comparison Table
| Specifications | Primary Battery | Secondary Battery |
|---|---|---|
| Recharging | Cannot be recharged or reused. | Can be recharged and reused. |
| Reaction | Irreversible chemical reactions occur. | Reversible chemical reactions occur. |
| Usage | Single use only, until active materials are depleted. | Multiple uses possible through recharging. |
| Applications | Portable devices, watches, transistors, radios, etc. | Automobiles, digital cameras, laptops, flashlights, electronic equipment, etc. |
| Self-Discharge Rate | Lower | Higher |
| Initial Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Life Cycle Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Maintenance | Disposable, no recharging possible. | Regular maintenance needed, periodic recharging required. |
| Examples | Leclanche cell, Dry cell, Lithium cell | Lead storage battery, Ni-Cd battery, Lithium Ion Cell |
