Learning Area General Chemistry 2 Grade Level Grade 12

W7-8 Quarter Fourth Quarter Date

I. LESSON TITLE Batteries

II. MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING Describe the electrochemistry involved in some common batteries:
COMPETENCIES (MELCs) a. Leclanche dry cell
b. Button batteries
c. Fuel cells
d. Lead storage battery
III. CONTENT/CORE CONTENT ✔ Common Batteries

IV. LEARNING PHASES AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES

I. Introduction (Time Frame: 5 minutes)
In the previous lesson, you have learned that an oxidation-reduction reaction generates a cell emf, which can be used
to drive electrons from the anode to the cathode through an external circuit, resulting in current. A battery is an
electrochemical cell, or a collection of electrochemical cells, that can be used as a constant-voltage source of direct current.
A battery operates similarly to electrochemical cells in general, but it has the advantage of being fully self-contained and
having no auxiliary components such as salt bridges. There are two types of batteries: disposable (primary) batteries, which
have irreversible electrode reactions and cannot be recharged, and rechargeable (secondary) batteries, which produce an
insoluble substance that adheres to the electrodes. By applying an electrical potential in the opposite direction, these batt eries
can be recharged. A rechargeable battery is temporarily converted from a galvanic cell to an electrolytic cell during the
recharging phase. You will learn about several types of batteries that are widely used. Specifically, at the end of the lesson,
you will be able to describe the electrochemistry involved in some common batteries:
a. Leclanche dry cell
b. Button batteries
c. Fuel cells
d. Lead storage battery
D. Development (Time Frame: 60 minutes)
A battery is a self-contained electrochemical power source made up of one or more voltaic cells that can be carried
around. Single voltaic cells, for instance, are used to power flashlights and a variety of consumer electronic devices. Multiple
voltaic cells in a single battery can be used to achieve higher voltages, as seen in 12-V automotive batteries. While any
spontaneous redox reaction can be used to make a voltaic cell, creating a commercial battery with unique performance
characteristics can take a lot of creativity. The substances that are oxidized at the anode and reduced by the cathode decide
the emf of a battery, and the battery's useful life is measured by the amounts of these substances packaged in the battery.
Typically, a membrane similar to a salt bridge separates the anode and cathode compartments. The materials used to make
the battery must be stable in the environments in which it will be used, and they must be chosen to reduce health and
environmental risks during usage and disposal.

The Leclanche (Dry Cell) Battery

The Leclanche cell, which is used in flashlights and transistor radios, is the most popular dry cell with no liquid part. It was
invented in 1866 by the French engineer Georges Leclanché and became a commercial success in large sizes almost
immediately due to the readily available low-cost constituent materials. A zinc can or bottle in contact with manganese dioxide
and an electrolyte serves as the cell's anode. Ammonium chloride and zinc chloride are dissolved in water, and starch is added
to thicken the solution to a pastel - like consistency, making it less likely to spill. The cathode is a carbon rod that is submerged
in the electrolyte in the cell's core.

Anode: Zn(s) ⟶ Zn2+(aq) + 2e-

Cathode: 2NH4+(aq) + 2MnO2(s) + 2e- ⟶ Mn2O3(s) + 2NH3-(aq) + H2O(l)
Overall: Zn(s) + 2NH4+(aq) + 2MnO2(s) ⟶HgO(s) + Zn2+(aq) +2NH3-(aq) + H2O(l) + Mn2O3(s)

The cell reactions are:

The dry cell produces around 1.55 V and is relatively cheap to make. However, it is
inefficient in terms of generating electrical energy since only a small fraction of the MnO2
near the cathode is reduced, and only a small fraction of the zinc cathode is consumed
as the cell discharges.
The alkaline battery is basically a Leclanché cell that has been modified to work in
alkaline (basic) conditions. The following are the half-reactions that occur in an alkaline
Figure 1. Interior section of a dry battery:
cell
Source: Chang, Raymond. Chemistry Anode: Zn(s) +2OH−(aq) ⟶ZnO(s) +H2O(l) + 2e−
6th Ed. P. 776. Cathode: 2MnO2(s)+ H2O(l) +2e−⟶Mn2O3(s) +2OH−(aq)
Overall: Zn(s) + 2MnO2(s) ⟶ZnO(s) + Mn2O3(s)
 A zinc-carbon dry cell of comparable size can provide three to five times the energy of an alkaline battery. Alkaline batteries
are susceptible to leaking potassium hydroxide, so they should be removed from products before being stored for long periods
of time. Although certain alkaline batteries can be recharged, the majority of them cannot. Attempts to recharge a non-
rechargeable alkaline battery often result in the battery rupturing and the potassium hydroxide electrolyte leaking.

The Button Battery

A watch battery, also known as a button cell or coin battery, is a small single-cell battery with a squat cylinder shape and
a diameter of 5 to 25 mm (0.197 to 0.984 in) and a height of 1 to 6 mm (0.039 to 0.236 in) that resembles a button. The bottom
body and positive terminal of the cell are normally made of stainless steel. The
negative terminal is an insulated top seal.
The anode is a zinc–mercury amalgam rather than pure zinc in the button batteries,
and the cathode uses either HgO or Ag2O as the oxidant rather than MnO2.For these
two types of button batteries, the cathode, anode, and overall reactions, as well as
cell production, are as follows (two half-reactions occur at the anode, but only the
overall oxidation half-reaction is shown):

with Ecell=1.35V
Anode (mercury battery): Zn + 2OH- ⟶ ZnO + H2O + 2e-
Cathode (mercury battery): HgO(s) + H2O(l) + 2e- ⟶ Hg(l) + 2OH-(aq)
Overall (mercury battery): Zn(s) + 2HgO(s) ⟶ ZnO(s) + 2Hg(l)

Figure 2. Button battery

with Ecell=1.6V
Source: Batteries.(2019).Retrieved May
Anode (silver battery): Zn + 2OH- ⟶ ZnO + H2O + 2e- 21, 2021,from
Cathode (silver battery): Ag2O(s) + H2O(l) + 2e- ⟶ 2Ag(s) + 2OH-(aq) https://chem.libretexts.org/@go/page/1
Overall (silver battery): Zn(s) + 2Ag2O(s) ⟶ ZnO(s) + 2Ag(s) 5200

The reliability and high output-to-mass ratio of mercury and silver cells are their main advantages. These characteristics make
them suitable for applications requiring a minimal footprint, such as cameras and hearing aids. The drawbacks are the cost
and environmental issues associated with the disposal of heavy metals such as mercury and silver.

The Fuel Cells

A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that functions with a constant supply of reactants since the products of the reaction
are constantly extracted. A fuel cell, unlike a battery, does not retain chemical or electrical energy; instead, it extracts electrical
energy directly from a chemical reaction. A chemical reaction produces electrical energy in a hydrogen fuel cell. A hydrogen-
oxygen fuel cell is made up of two inert electrodes and an electrolyte solution, such as potassium hydroxide solution. The
following reactions take place as hydrogen and oxygen gases are bubbled into the anode and cathode compartments.

Anode: 2H2(g) + 4OH-(aq) ⟶ 4H2O(l) + 4e-

Cathode: O2 (g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e- ⟶ 4OH-(aq)
Overall: 2H2(g) + O2(g) ⟶ 2H2O(l)

Fuel cells that are properly engineered can be as effective as 70%, or about
twice as efficient as an internal combustion engine. Furthermore, unlike traditional
power plants, fuel-cell generators are free of noise, vibration, heat transfer,
thermal emissions, and other issues. Fuel cells, on the other hand, are not yet
widely used. A major issue is the scarcity of low-cost electrocatalysts that can
operate effectively for long periods of time without being contaminated. Space
Figure 3. Fuel cell
Source: Chang, Raymond. Chemistry 6th Ed.
vehicles have been the most effective use of fuel cells to date.
P. 779.
The Lead Storage Battery
Six identical cells are connected in series in a lead storage battery typically
used in automobiles. A lead anode and a lead dioxide (PbO2) cathode are
packed on a metal plate in each cell. The electrolyte is an aqueous solution of
sulfuric acid that is immersed in both the cathode and the anode. The following
are the cell reactions:

Anode: Pb(s) + SO42-(aq) ⟶ PbSO4(s) + 2e-

Cathode: PbO2 (s) + 4H+(aq) + SO42-(aq) + 2e- ⟶ PbSO4(s) + 2H2O(l)
Overall: Pb(s) + PbO2 (s) + 4H+(aq) + 2SO42-(aq) ⟶ 2 PbSO4(s) +2H2O(l)
 Each cell generates 2 volts under normal operating conditions; a total of 12 volts from the six cells is used to power the
automobile's ignition circuit and other electrical systems. For a brief period of time, such as the time it takes to start the engine,
the lead storage battery may supply significant quantities of current. PbSO4 powder forms on the electrodes when the cell is
discharged. Furthermore, sulfuric acid is consumed and water is released, lowering the density of the electrolyte and allowin g
for a simple way to check the battery's status by measuring the density of the electrolyte. A hydrometer is commonly used to
do this.
The lead-acid storage battery can be recharged. Recharging the battery entails
applying an external voltage to the cathode and anode to reverse the natural
electrochemical reaction. When a lead–acid battery is exposed to an external
voltage greater than 2.04 V per cell, the electrode reactions reverse. However, if the
battery is charged too quickly, electrolysis of water will occur. As a result, a potentially
toxic hydrogen gas emerges. The gas bubbles generated in this way will dislodge
some of the PbSO4 or PbO2 particles from the grids, causing them to fall to the cell's
bottom and cause an internal short circuit. As a result, the recharging process must
be closely controlled in order to extend the battery's life. A lead–acid battery, on the
other hand, can be discharged and recharged thousands of times with due
treatment. The alternator provides the electric current that induces the discharge
reaction to reverse in automobiles.
Figure 4. Interior section of a lead
storage battery
Source: Chang, Raymond. Chemistry 6 th
Ed. P. 777.

E. Engagement (Time Frame: 2 hours)

Learning Task 1
Give a short description of the electrochemistry in each type of battery.
Type of Battery Description
Leclance battery
Button battery
Fuel cell
Lead storage battery

Learning Task 2
Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if it is wrong.
1. The cathode in a voltaic cell gains an electron.
2. A battery is an arrangement of electrolytic cells.
3. In battery cells, redox reactions are extremely important.
4. Primary and secondary cells differ in their cathode and anode properties.
5. In primary cells, all of the electrode components are almost always completely used.

Learning Task 3
Classify the type of battery used for the following applications.
Application Type of Battery
1. Boats
2. Walkman
3. Car battery
4. Submarine
5. Pocket calculators

Learning Task 4
A new smartphone battery with a SHE (standard hydrogen electrode), that also eliminates toxic carbon monoxide from
the air, has been proposed by an inventor:
Anode: CO(g)+H2O(l) ⟶ CO2(g)+2H+(aq) +2e− E∘anode=−0.53V
Cathode:2H+(aq) +2e−⟶ H2(g) E∘cathode=0V
Overall: CO(g) + H2O(l) ⟶ CO2(g)+H2(g) E∘cell=+0.53V
Will this make a good smartphone battery? Why do you think so?

A. Assimilation (Time Frame: 20 minutes)

You are asked to design a battery. Choose any two metals and list down the things that you need to consider in designing
your new battery.
V. ASSESSMENT (Time Frame: 20 minutes)
(Learning Activity Sheets for Enrichment, Remediation, or Assessment to be given on Weeks 3 and 6)
Read each item carefully and select the correct answer.
1. Which of the following is used as an anode in a dry cell?
a. Zinc b. Nickel c. Graphite d. Mercury (II) oxide
2. Which of the following statements is true regarding a primary cell?
a. It can be recharged.
b. The electrode reactions can be reversed.
c. An example of a primary cell is a mercury cell.
d. An example of a primary cell is a nickel-cadmium storage cell.
3. What is the other term of the secondary cells considering its capability to accept recharging?
a. dry cell b. primary cell c. storage cell d. Reaction cell
4. Which of the following battery is used for aircraft?
a. Lead acid battery b. Nickel-iron battery c. Dry cell battery d. Silver oxide battery
5. The current in a chemical cell is a movement of
a. Positive ions only
b. Negative ions only
c. Positive hole charges
d. Positive and negative ions

VI. REFLECTION (Time Frame: 10 minutes)

● Communicate your personal assessment as indicated in the Learner’s Assessment Card.
Personal Assessment on Learner’s Level of Performance
Using the symbols below, choose one which best describes your experience in working on each given task. Draw it
in the column for Level of Performance (LP). Be guided by the descriptions below:
 - I was able to do/perform the task without any difficulty. The task helped me in understanding the target content/
lesson.
- I was able to do/perform the task. It was quite challenging, but it still helped me in understanding the target
content/lesson.
? – I was not able to do/perform the task. It was extremely difficult. I need additional enrichment activities to be able to
do/perform this task.
Learning Task LP Learning Task LP Learning Task LP Learning Task LP
Number 1 Number 3 Number 5 Number 7
Number 2 Number 4 Number 6 Number 8
VII. REFERENCES Batteries. 2019. Retrieved May 21, 2021,from https://chem.libretexts.org/@go/page/15200

Brown, Theodore L.et al. 2002. Chemistry The Central Science 8th ed (Singapore: Pearson
education Asia Pte Ltd.

Chang, Raymond. 1998. Chemistry 6 th Edition. Mc-Graw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Mendoza, Estrella E. and Religioso, Teresita F..2004. You and the Natural World Series Second
Edition Chemistry Textbook . Quezon City: Phoenix Publishing House, Inc.

Redmore, Fred H. 1980. Fundamentals of Chemistry. Quezon City: Apson Enterprises.

Wikipedia contributors. (2021, May 21). Button cell. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
Retrieved 05:58, May 23,2021,from
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Button_cell&oldid=1024331521

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