How do chemical cells produce electricity?

Chemical cells produce electricity by converting chemical energy into electrical energy through a process called electrochemical reaction.

Chemical cells, also known as electrochemical cells, are devices that generate electricity through a chemical reaction. This process is known as an electrochemical reaction, which involves the transfer of electrons from one substance to another. The substances involved in this reaction are usually contained within the cell and are called the cell's electrolyte and electrodes.

The cell consists of two electrodes, the anode and the cathode, which are immersed in an electrolyte. The anode is the electrode where oxidation occurs, meaning it loses electrons. The cathode, on the other hand, is the electrode where reduction occurs, meaning it gains electrons. The electrolyte is a substance that contains ions, which are atoms or molecules with a net electric charge.

When the cell is connected to an external circuit, the electrons lost at the anode flow through the circuit to the cathode, creating an electric current. This flow of electrons is what we commonly refer to as electricity. The electrolyte allows ions to move between the electrodes, completing the circuit and allowing the chemical reaction to continue.

The chemical reaction at the heart of the cell's operation is a redox reaction. This is a type of reaction that involves a transfer of electrons between substances. In the case of a chemical cell, the substance at the anode is oxidised (loses electrons), while the substance at the cathode is reduced (gains electrons). This transfer of electrons from the anode to the cathode is what generates the electric current.

In summary, chemical cells produce electricity by utilising a chemical reaction to induce a flow of electrons from the anode to the cathode. This flow of electrons, or electric current, is then used to power electrical devices.