Cells and Simple Circuits

Syllabus tag: KCSE | Physics | Form 1 | Topic 10 Cells and Simple Circuits

Lesson objectives

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

• Describe the simple cell and the defects affecting it.
• Describe the dry Leclanché cell and the lead-acid accumulator.
• Draw and interpret circuit symbols and simple circuit diagrams.
• Distinguish series from parallel arrangements and care for cells.

Summary

A cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy. A simple cell of copper and zinc in dilute sulphuric acid works briefly before polarisation and local action stop it. Practical cells solve these: the dry Leclanché cell is a primary cell that cannot be recharged; the lead-acid accumulator is a secondary cell that can.