Difference Between Primary Cell and Secondary Cell
Last Updated :
23 Jul, 2025
Difference between a Primary Cell and a Secondary Cell is that Primary Cells are the ones that cannot be charged but Secondary Cells are the ones that are rechargeable. Before learning about the detailed difference between Primary Cells and Secondary Cells, we will first learn about what a cell is, what are batteries, and the definitions of Primary cells and Secondary Cells. Apart from this, we will also learn about the Examples of Primary Cells and Secondary Cells, Applications of Primary Cells and Secondary Cells, and the Advantages and Disadvantages of Primary Cells and Secondary Cells. Let's learn them one by one
Definition of Cell
A cell is a unit source of power that converts chemical energy stored in them to electrical energy. The battery is referred to as the parallel combination of electrochemical cells.
Cells are of two types
- Primary Cell
- Secondary Cell
Primary Cell
Primary Cell is a type of electrochemical cell that is designed to be used once and disposed of or discarded, after its useful life. They lack fluid inside and are hence referred to as Dry Cells. They have a mechanism of an irreversible chemical reaction and due to their high charge density, they discharge slowly. A primary cell is not rechargeable and cannot be restored to its original charge once it has been depleted. Primary cells are used in a wide range of applications, including portable electronic devices, flashlights, and other devices that require a portable power source. Some examples of primary cells include alkaline cells, zinc-carbon cells, and lithium primary cells.
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Secondary Cell
Secondary Cell, also known as a rechargeable cell, is a type of electrical cell that can be recharged and used multiple times. Secondary Cells consist of wet molten ions and they undergo reversible chemical reaction mechanisms. Unlike a primary cell, which is used once and then disposed of, a secondary cell can be recharged by running an electric current through it in the opposite direction of the current that is used to discharge it. Common examples of secondary cells include lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. These types of cells are used in a wide range of applications, including powering portable electronic devices, vehicles, and backup power systems.
Difference Between a Primary Cell and a Secondary Cell
Difference between Primary Cells and Secondary Cells is that Primary cells are the ones that cannot be recharged and have to be discarded after the expiration of their lifetime whereas, secondary cells need to be recharged when the charge gets over. Both types of cells are used extensively in various appliances and these cells differ in size and material used in them. A detailed difference between them is tabulated below:
|
| Primary cells are not rechargeable | Secondary cells can be recharged and used multiple times |
| Primary cells are typically made of non-rechargeable materials, such as zinc or carbon | Secondary cells are made of rechargeable materials like lead-acid or lithium-ion |
| Primary cells generally have a lower capacity than secondary cells | Secondary cells have a high capacity than primary cells |
| Primary cells tend to have a lower voltage than secondary cells | Secondary cells tend to have a higher voltage than primary cells |
| Primary cells are designed to be used once and disposed of | Secondary cells can be recycled |
| Primary cells are typically smaller in size than secondary cells | Secondary cells are typically larger in size than primary cells |
| The cost of primary cells is lower than that of secondary cells. | Secondary cells are high expensive than primary cells |
| Primary cells are commonly used in portable electronic devices | Secondary cells are used in applications that require a long-lasting power source, such as electric vehicles |
Advantages of Primary Cell and Secondary Cell
Primary cells are cells that are designed to be used once and then discarded, while secondary cells are cells that can be recharged and used multiple times.
There are several advantages of Primary Cells:
- They are convenient to use because they do not require any special charging equipment.
- They are reliable because they are designed to be used only once, so there is less chance of failure due to wear and tear.
- They are widely available and can be purchased at most stores that sell batteries.
There are also several advantages of Secondary Cells:
- They are environmentally friendly because they can be recharged and used multiple times, reducing the need for disposable batteries.
- They are cost-effective because they can be recharged and used multiple times, reducing the need to purchase new batteries.
- They can be recharged quickly, making them convenient for use in devices that require a lot of power.
Disadvantages of Primary Cell and Secondary Cell
There are several disadvantages of Primary Cells:
- They are disposable, which can be wasteful and harmful to the environment.
- They can be expensive in the long run because they need to be replaced frequently.
- They may not provide as much power as secondary cells, especially for high-drain devices.
There are also several disadvantages to Secondary Cells:
- They require a charger, which can be inconvenient if you are on the go.
- They can develop a "memory effect," which means that if they are not fully discharged before being recharged, their capacity can be reduced over time.
- They may not last as long as primary cells, especially if they are not properly maintained.
- They can be expensive to purchase initially, although they tend to be more cost-effective in the long run because they can be recharged and used multiple times.
Applications of Primary Cell and Secondary Cell
Primary cells are single-use batteries that are designed to be used once and then disposed of. They are typically used in applications where it is not practical to recharge the battery, such as in remote or isolated locations. Examples of primary cells include alkaline batteries, which are commonly used in household items like flashlights and remote controls, and zinc-carbon batteries, which are often used in low-drain devices like clocks and radios.
As opposed to primary cells, secondary cells are rechargeable batteries that can be used repeatedly. They are typically used in applications where it is convenient or necessary to be able to recharge the battery, such as in portable electronic devices and vehicles. Examples of secondary cells include lead-acid batteries, which are commonly used in vehicles and backup power systems, and lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in portable electronic devices.
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