Question

A secondary cell is one that:
(A) can be recharged
(B) can be recharged by passing current through it in the same direction.
(C) can be recharged by passing current through it in the opposite direction.
(D) cannot be recharged

Answer 1

Hint: There are two types of cells: Primary cells and secondary cells. Recall the basic difference between these two. Primary cells potentially consist of irreversible chemical reactions while secondary cells (also called rechargeable cells) consist of reversible chemical reactions.

Complete step by step answer:
Two types of cells:
Primary cells: These are the electrochemical cells which generate electricity by the means of irreversible chemical reactions and these cells cannot be recharged. They are also called galvanic cells or voltaic cells.
Secondary cells: These are the electrochemical cells that convert chemical energy into electrical energy by a reversible chemical reaction. They are also called storage cells or rechargeable cells. They are called storage cells because they can store electrical energy in the form of chemical energy for a long period of time. Once it exhausts, it can be recharged and used again. That’s why they are also called rechargeable cells or batteries.
Redox reactions of the secondary cells can be reversed and this allows them to recharge or regain their cell potential, through the work done by passing electric current in the opposite direction.
Thus, a secondary cell is the one that can be recharged by passing electric current through it in the opposite direction.
So, the correct answer is “Option C”.

Note: Lead-acid batteries and nickel-cadmium batteries are the most common examples of secondary batteries/cells. These are extensively found in automobile engines and inverters. Nickel-cadmium batteries have a longer life than lead-acid batteries.