What is an example of a primary battery?

A primary battery is a type of electrochemical cell that is designed to be used until it runs out of energy and cannot be recharged. Alkaline batteries fall into this category, as they are typically single-use and cannot be recharged effectively once their energy is depleted.

Alkaline batteries work through a chemical reaction involving zinc and manganese dioxide, which produces electrical energy. Their design allows them to maintain a relatively stable voltage output until the chemical reactants are consumed. This makes them ideal for low-drain applications, such as remote controls or flashlights, where recharging is not feasible or practical.

In contrast, other types of batteries listed, such as lead-acid, lithium-ion, and nickel-cadmium batteries, are considered secondary batteries because they can be recharged and used multiple times. The key distinction is that primary batteries are intended for one-time use, while secondary batteries can be rejuvenated and reused following a discharge cycle. This fundamental difference highlights why alkaline batteries represent a typical example of primary batteries.