Chemistry / Unit 11 Chem 2213 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Primary vs. Secondary Battery
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The idea
A primary battery's redox reaction is not practically reversible, so it is discarded once its reactants are spent, while a secondary battery's reaction is reversible, so it accepts recharging by driving the reaction backward.
In practice
A single-use alkaline battery is primary; a rechargeable lithium-ion battery is secondary.
Where people slip
"Rechargeable" describes a reaction's reversibility, not a battery's brand or price point.
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