What is the Difference Between Daniel Cell and Leclanche Cell?

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The Daniel cell and Leclanche cell are two important electrochemical cells that generate electricity through chemical reactions. The key difference between the two is the combination of electrodes:

  • Daniel Cell: This cell contains a zinc rod and a copper vessel as electrodes. It is a primary cell, meaning it cannot be recharged.
  • Leclanche Cell: This cell contains a carbon cathode with manganese dioxide, a cathode made of zinc, and an ammonium chloride electrolyte. The zinc acts as the reductant, while manganese dioxide acts as the oxidizer. The Leclanche cell is named after its inventor, French scientist Georges Leclanche, and is often referred to as the zinc-carbon dry cell or dry cell.

Both cells generate electricity through chemical reactions, but their electrode compositions and cell types (primary or otherwise) differ, making them suitable for different applications and usage conditions.

Comparative Table: Daniel Cell vs Leclanche Cell

The key difference between Daniel Cell and Leclanche Cell is the type of electrodes they use. Here is a table comparing the two cells:

Feature Daniel Cell Leclanche Cell
Electrodes Zinc rod and copper vessel Carbon with manganese dioxide and zinc
Type of Cell Galvanic cell (primary cell) Battery (secondary cell)
Chemical Reaction Converts chemical energy into electrical energy Converts chemical energy into electrical energy

Both Daniel Cell and Leclanche Cell are involved in carrying out chemical reactions to produce electricity. The Daniel Cell is a primary cell that uses a zinc rod and copper vessel as electrodes, while the Leclanche Cell is a secondary cell that uses carbon with manganese dioxide and zinc as electrodes.