CHEM105 Chapter Notes - Chapter 21: Mercury Battery, Dimethyl Carbonate, Lead

• School: University of Alberta
• Department: Chemistry
• Course: CHEM105
• Professor: Yoram Apelblat

Document Summary

In general, a battery consists of self-contained voltaic cells arranged in series, so that their individual voltages are added. A primary battery cannot be recharged, so the initial amounts of reactants are as far from equilibrium as is practical. This type of battery is discarded when the cell reaction has reached equilibrium; when the battery is dead. ". Examples: alkaline battery, mercury and silver button" batteries, lithium battery. Electrolyte: a basic paste of koh and water. The alkaline battery powers portable radios, toys, flashlights, and so on, is safe, and comes in many sizes. It has no voltage drop, a long shelf life, and reliable performance in terms of power capability and stored energy. Both mercury and silver batteries use a zinc container as the anode (reducing agent) in a basic medium. The mercury battery employs hgo as the oxidizing agent, the silver uses ag2o, and both have a steel can around the cathode.