# Explain why a non-rechargeable alkaline battery must be replaced once it stops working, but a rechargeable cell does not need to be replaced in the same way.

> AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) — 4.5.2 Chemical cells and fuel cells (Chem only) · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. In a non-rechargeable cell/alkaline battery, the chemical reaction stops when one (or more) of the reactants is used up
2. Once the reactants are used up the reaction cannot restart / no more electricity can be produced, so the battery must be replaced
3. In a rechargeable cell, the chemical reactions are reversed when an external electrical current is supplied
4. This restores the reactants so the cell can produce electrical energy again / the cell does not need to be replaced

## Key terms

- [non-rechargeable](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/non-rechargeable)
- [rechargeable cell](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/rechargeable-cell)
- [alkaline battery](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/alkaline-battery)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-a-non-rechargeable-alkaline-battery-f903b3e9) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.