Daniell Cell
Product Code : EL-E-10985
Quick answer: The Daniell Cell is a copper-zinc primary cell used to show how a chemical reaction produces an electric current and to measure a cell EMF of about 1.1 volts. A heavy-gauge copper vessel forms the positive electrode and a zinc amalgam rod in a porous pot the negative, with 4 mm terminals on both. Lab Exports manufactures it in Delhi for schools, colleges and universities.
Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Positive electrode | Heavy-gauge copper outer vessel, 130 x 90 mm |
| Negative electrode | Zinc amalgam rod, 150 x 12 mm, with wooden supporting cap |
| Porous pot | 150 x 50 mm |
| Internal shelf | Perforated shelf for copper sulphate crystals |
| Terminals | 4 mm sockets on the copper vessel and the zinc rod |
| EMF | Approximately 1.1 V |
How the Daniell cell experiment is done
The Daniell cell joins two half-cells. In the outer copper vessel, copper(II) ions from copper sulphate solution gain electrons and deposit as copper: Cu2+ + 2e- -> Cu. Inside the porous pot the zinc rod loses electrons: Zn -> Zn2+ + 2e-. Electrons flow from zinc to copper through the external circuit, while the porous pot lets ions pass to complete the circuit and slows mixing of the two solutions. The overall reaction Zn + Cu2+ -> Zn2+ + Cu gives an EMF of about 1.1 V.
- Place copper sulphate crystals on the perforated shelf and fill the copper vessel with copper sulphate solution.
- Stand the porous pot in the vessel and fill it with the zinc-side electrolyte, usually dilute sulphuric acid or zinc sulphate solution.
- Insert the zinc amalgam rod into the porous pot so the wooden cap rests on top.
- Connect a high-resistance voltmeter across the 4 mm terminals, copper to positive and zinc to negative, and read the EMF.
- Connect a small lamp or resistor to show that the cell delivers a steady current.
The crystals on the shelf dissolve as copper ions are used up, keeping the solution concentrated so the voltage stays steady during a lesson. Amalgamating the zinc reduces local action, the wasteful attack of acid on the zinc when no current is being drawn.
Key features
- Heavy-gauge copper outer vessel, 130 x 90 mm, acting as both container and positive electrode
- Porous pot, 150 x 50 mm, separating the two electrolytes while allowing ion flow
- Zinc amalgam rod, 150 x 12 mm, with a wooden supporting cap as the negative electrode
- Internal perforated shelf that holds copper sulphate crystals to keep the solution saturated
- 4 mm terminal sockets on both the copper vessel and the zinc rod
- EMF of about 1.1 V for voltage and current demonstrations
Documentation and supply
Instructions for use are supplied with the apparatus. Most Lab Exports products carry a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Lab Exports manufactures the Daniell Cell at its works in Laxmi Nagar, Delhi, and supplies it to schools, colleges and universities in India and 60+ countries, handling the export documents for each shipment. More about the company is on the About Lab Exports page.
Related Electrolysis products
- Universal Electrode Holder (EL-E-10984)
- Electrode Connector (EL-E-10983)
- Electrolysis Cells (EL-E-10982)
- Fruit Clock (EL-E-10981)
- Salt Bridge (EL-E-10980)
- Simple Cell, Student Kit (EL-E-10979)
The full range is in the Electrolysis section of the Chemistry Lab range.
Frequently asked questions
What voltage does the Daniell Cell give?
About 1.1 volts, the standard EMF of the zinc-copper couple, read on a high-resistance voltmeter. The terminal voltage falls when a large current is drawn because of the cell's internal resistance.
What is the porous pot for?
It keeps the zinc-side electrolyte and the copper sulphate solution apart while letting ions move between them, which completes the circuit inside the cell.
What is the price of the Daniell Cell?
Prices are not published on the website. Add the Daniell Cell to the Enquiry Cart with the Add To Cart button on this page, or email [email protected] with the house code EL-E-10985 and the quantity, to receive a quotation.
Does Lab Exports manufacture the Daniell Cell?
Yes. Lab Exports manufactures the Daniell Cell at its works at 11/315, Lalita Park, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi 110092, under house code EL-E-10985.
Request a quote
Email [email protected] with the house code EL-E-10985 and the quantity, or add the Daniell Cell to the Enquiry Cart with the Add To Cart button on this page. Tender buyers can also see the Tenders and OEM page.
