An electric cell consists of three main components:
- Electrodes: These are two conductors - positive (cathode) and negative (anode) - through which current enters and leaves the cell.
- Electrolyte: A chemical substance (liquid or paste) that allows the flow of ions and facilitates the internal chemical reactions.
- Electrolytic medium/container: The structure that holds the electrodes and electrolyte in place and enables safe operation of the cell.
The interaction between the electrodes and the electrolyte leads to chemical reactions, which generate a potential difference and enable the flow of electric current in a circuit.