Question

Batteries and fuel cells are very useful forms of galvanic cell. Any battery or cell that we use as a source of electrical energy is basically a galvanic cell. However, for a battery to be of practical use it should be reasonably light, compact and its voltage should not vary appreciably during its use. There are mainly two types of batteries — primary batteries and secondary batteries. In the primary batteries, the reaction occurs only once and after use over a period of time the battery becomes dead and cannot be reused again, whereas the secondary batteries are rechargeable. Production of electricity by thermal plants is not a very efficient method and is a major source of pollution. To solve this problem, galvanic cells are designed in such a way that energy of combustion of fuels is directly converted into electrical energy, and these are known as fuel cells. One such fuel cell was used in the Apollo space programme. Answer the following questions:

Name the cell which : (a) was used in Apollo Space programme. (b) is used in automobiles and inverters. (c) is suitable for hearing aids and watches. (d) does not give a steady potential and is used in transistors.

Match the type of cell given in Column I with their use given in Column II.

Which of the following cells is not rechargeable ?

Give reasons :