B.5.7—Electric cells
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Objective
- —
- Level
- SL
Explain How an Electric Cell Converts Energy
Energy conversion in a cell
A chemical cell converts chemical potential energy into electrical energy. Internal chemical processes separate charge and maintain an emf between the terminals.
In a complete circuit
When the circuit is closed, charge flows and energy supplied by the cell is transferred to components. The cell’s chemical energy decreases as electrical energy is delivered.
Source versus load
The cell is the source of energy; a resistor, lamp or motor is a load where electrical energy is transferred to other forms. The charges circulate through both.
Common trap
A cell supplies energy, not a continuous supply of new electrons. The same charge carriers circulate through the circuit.