Electric Cells: JAMB Physics Questions, Answers & Notes

What Electric Cells covers in the JAMB Physics syllabus

A cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy. Its e.m.f. (E) is the total energy per coulomb it supplies; its internal resistance (r) causes a voltage drop when current flows, so the terminal voltage V = E − Ir. Primary cells (dry Leclanché) can't be recharged; secondary cells/accumulators (lead-acid) can. Cells in series add their e.m.f.s (higher voltage); identical cells in parallel keep one cell's e.m.f. but supply more current for longer. Simple cells suffer polarisation (hydrogen bubbles, cured by a depolariser) and local action (impure zinc wasting away).

For Electric Cells, JAMB expects you to be able to:

• Distinguish primary and secondary cells and give examples
• Define e.m.f., internal resistance and terminal voltage (E = V + Ir)
• Combine cells in series and parallel and explain simple-cell defects

Key facts & revision notes: Electric Cells

These are the recurring points our Electric Cells questions test — revise them until each feels automatic, then practise the questions above to lock them in.

• A chemical cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy.
• is the total energy supplied per coulomb of charge by the cell.
• a dry Leclanché cell) cannot be recharged.
• A secondary cell (accumulator), like a lead-acid battery, can be recharged.
• The lead-acid accumulator is a rechargeable secondary cell used in cars.
• Internal resistance is the resistance to current flow within the cell.
• E = V + Ir; the terminal voltage V is the e.m.f.
• minus the drop across the internal resistance.
• In series, the e.m.f.s add up to give a higher total voltage.
• stays that of one cell, but the arrangement supplies more current for longer.
• In series, e.m.f.s add: 1.5 + 1.5 + 1.5 = 4.5 V.
• Polarisation is the build-up of hydrogen bubbles on the positive plate, which weakens the current.
• Local action is the wasting of the zinc plate due to impurities forming tiny local cells.
• A depolariser removes the hydrogen bubbles, reducing polarisation.
• A dry Leclanché (torch) cell has an e.m.f.
• V = E − Ir = 2 − (2 × 0.5) = 2 − 1 = 1 V.
• A phone battery can be recharged, so it is a secondary cell.
• The lead-acid accumulator uses dilute sulphuric acid as its electrolyte.
• Parallel cells keep the same voltage but can deliver more current for longer.
• When current flows, the drop across the internal resistance (Ir) makes the terminal voltage less than the e.m.f.
• A cell's charge capacity is measured in ampere-hours (Ah).
• A cell turns chemical energy into electrical energy.
• Electromotive force is measured in volts.
• It cannot be recharged, so it is a primary cell.

Worked examples

Three Electric Cells questions with the answer and a short explanation, so you can see how the topic is set before you practise the full set.

How Electric Cells is tested in JAMB Physics

Our Electric Cells bank holds 40 questions (7 easy, 21 medium, 12 hard). JAMB Physics typically returns to Electric Cells year after year, so steady practice on this topic is high-value revision. Questions are multiple-choice with four options, and at UTME pace you get roughly 40 seconds each — which is why timed practice matters.

How to answer Electric Cells questions

Work the stem first and predict the answer before you look at the options; then eliminate the ones that contradict the key facts above. Watch for “which is not…”, “all of the above” and “except” style stems, which are where rushed candidates lose easy marks on Electric Cells. If a calculation or a precise definition is involved, work it from first principles rather than guessing from a half-remembered rule. When two options look right, re-read the stem for the qualifier that separates them — JAMB rarely repeats an option by accident. If you are still unsure, eliminate the two weakest choices to lift your odds, flag the question, and move on; never burn a full minute on one Physics item when the exam gives you about forty seconds each. Then come back to flagged questions with whatever time remains. The single most reliable way to get faster at Electric Cells is repeated timed practice, so use the button above until the recurring patterns feel automatic.

Common mistakes to avoid in Electric Cells

The errors that cost marks on Electric Cells are usually careless rather than conceptual: misreading a negative stem, confusing two similar terms, or rushing a definition you actually know. Candidates also over-rely on “expo” and last-minute cramming instead of understanding the topic — which fails the moment JAMB rephrases a familiar idea. Treat every option as a claim to be checked against the facts above, keep your working tidy for any calculation, and don’t change a considered answer on a hunch. Above all, revise Electric Cells actively by answering questions, not just by re-reading notes — recall under time is what the exam rewards.

Frequently asked questions

Is Electric Cells part of the JAMB Physics syllabus?

Yes. Electric Cells is a recognised topic in the JAMB Physics syllabus, covering distinguish primary and secondary cells and give examples. You should be able to recall its key facts and apply them to multiple-choice questions.

How many Electric Cells questions can I practise on Belmadeng?

There are 40 original, JAMB-standard Electric Cells questions in our free bank, each with the correct answer and a worked explanation. You can practise them untimed or as a timed test.

What are the most important points to know about Electric Cells?

A cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy. Its e.m.f. (E) is the total energy per coulomb it supplies; its internal resistance (r) causes a voltage drop when current flows, so the terminal voltage V = E − Ir. Primary cells (dry Leclanché) can't be recharged; secondary cells/accumulators…

How do I answer Electric Cells questions quickly in JAMB?

Read the stem carefully, eliminate clearly wrong options, and match the remaining choices to the key facts for Electric Cells. Practising timed Electric Cells questions builds the speed you need for UTME's pace of about 40 seconds per question.

Are these JAMB Physics Electric Cells questions past questions or original?

They are original questions written to JAMB (UTME) standard and mapped to the official syllabus — not reproduced past papers. This keeps them legal to use freely while closely mirroring how the real exam tests the topic.

Where can I practise Electric Cells questions free without signing up?

Right here — tap “Start Electric Cells practice” on this page to begin instantly. Belmadeng's CBT practice is completely free and needs no sign-up, download or subscription.

About these questions: original, JAMB-standard items written from the official UTME Physics syllabus (last reviewed 2026-09-18). Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB. Spotted an error? Use the report link.