Talk:Primary cell

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A cell has one cathode and one anode. A battery is two or more cells. They can be in series (for more volatge), in parallel (for more current or less internal resistance), or in multiple (e.g. in series by twos and several batteries of two cells then in parallel). I have no idea why an unnamed editor reversed carbon and zinc, and I don't much care if she or he does again, but I am a bit curious why.

The usage of "battery" for several cells is consonant with usage for artillery batteries - ganged guns that can be fired in salvos, or (for less recoil problems) at close intervals. Also see Battery_Park (New York) Carrionluggage 04:54, 29 January 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Alkalines are reversible

There's several write-ups around the Internet where DIYers have successfully charged alkaline batteries by forcing a constant current through them for an extended period of time. example. There have even been commercial battery chargers sold as chargers that will recharge even normal alkaline batteries, and they have been around since the early 90s or even earlier. It's safe to say alkalines don't qualify as primary batteries. example.24.208.61.65 07:05, 4 March 2007 (UTC)