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Cell
A cell has one cathode and one anode. A battery is two or more cells. They can be in series (for more volatge), in parallel (for more current or less internal resistance), or in multiple (e.g. in series by twos and several batteries of two cells then in parallel). I have no idea why an unnamed editor reversed carbon and zinc, and I don't much care if she or he does again, but I am a bit curious why.
The usage of "battery" for several cells is consonant with usage for artillery batteries - ganged guns that can be fired in salvos, or (for less recoil problems) at close intervals. Also see Battery_Park (New York) Carrionluggage04:54, 29 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I think the reversal of carbon and zinc may be due to confusion about anode and cathode. In most situations the anode is the positive pole and the cathode is the negative pole but, in a primary cell, these labels are reversed. In a primary cell, the anode is negative in relation to the external circuit but positive in relation to the internal working of the cell. Likewise the cathode is positive in relation to the external circuit but negative in relation to the internal working of the cell. Biscuittin14:38, 1 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Alkalines are reversible
There's several write-ups around the Internet where DIYers have successfully charged alkaline batteries by forcing a constant current through them for an extended period of time. example. There have even been commercial battery chargers sold as chargers that will recharge even normal alkaline batteries, and they have been around since the early 90s or even earlier. It's safe to say alkalines don't qualify as primary batteries. example.24.208.61.6507:05, 4 March 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Obsolete???
Sure, many types of batteries used in a wide variety of consumer applications may be replaceable by rechargeables, but that hardly means that primary cells are obsolete. Many applications are far better served by primary cells, namely long-life and "hard-wired" applications. 66.184.83.11420:20, 14 May 2007 (UTC)[reply]
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