primary cell

electronics

Also known as: galvanic cell, primary battery, voltaic cell

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Last updated

June 17, 2026

Quick Summary

A primary cell, also known as a voltaic cell, is an electrical unit that generates current through a chemical reaction. Unlike secondary cells (rechargeable batteries), primary cells are not designed to be recharged to a significant extent. A common example is the conventional dry cell, often used in flashlights and radios.1

Other types of primary cells exist for specialized applications. For instance, magnesium-silver chloride and magnesium-lead chloride batteries are used in undersea operations and situations where environmental impact is a concern. Some primary cells utilize solid electrolytes, where ions move within the crystal structure of the electrolyte.2

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materials testing
Corrosion
…is the principle of the galvanic cell or battery. Though useful in a battery, this reaction causes problems in a structure; for example, steel bolts in an aluminum framework may, in the presence of rain or fog, form multiple galvanic cells at the point of contact between the two metals,…
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…is the principle of the galvanic cell or battery. Though useful in a battery, this reaction causes problems in a structure; for example, steel bolts in an aluminum framework may, in the presence of rain or fog, form multiple galvanic cells at the point of contact between the two metals,…
Read More

battery
…into two general groups: (1) primary batteries and (2) secondary, or storage, batteries. Primary batteries are designed to be used until the voltage is too low to operate a given device and are then discarded. Secondary batteries have many special design features, as well as particular materials for the electrodes,…
Read More
…into two general groups: (1) primary batteries and (2) secondary, or storage, batteries. Primary batteries are designed to be used until the voltage is too low to operate a given device and are then discarded. Secondary batteries have many special design features, as well as particular materials for the electrodes,…
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electricity
Electromotive force
To produce a voltaic cell, these reactions must occur in separate locations. A copper wire and a zinc wire poked into a lemon make up a simple voltaic cell. The potential difference between the copper and the zinc wires can be measured easily and is found to be…
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To produce a voltaic cell, these reactions must occur in separate locations. A copper wire and a zinc wire poked into a lemon make up a simple voltaic cell. The potential difference between the copper and the zinc wires can be measured easily and is found to be…
Read More