Secondary Cell
A cell whose reaction can be reversed by an applied current, allowing it to be recharged and reused.
Unit
V
In depth
Charging drives the cell reaction backwards, regenerating the original reactants at the electrodes. Cycle life is limited by gradual physical degradation of the electrodes, and every cell type has its own optimal charging regime to avoid damage.
Examples in the real world
Lead–acid car batteries, nickel–metal hydride cells, and lithium-ion cells in phones and electric vehicles.