Primary Cell
A cell in which the electrode reaction is irreversible, so it cannot be recharged.
Unit
V
In depth
Once the reactants are consumed the cell is discarded. Primary cells generally have higher energy density and much lower self-discharge than rechargeable types, which makes them well suited to devices used intermittently over long periods.
Examples in the real world
Alkaline AA cells, zinc–carbon batteries, and the lithium cells in smoke alarms and watches.