Why shouldn’t the two terminals of an electric cell be joined directly?

Joining the two terminals of an electric cell directly, without any load or device connected between them, can lead to potentially dangerous or damaging situations. Here are several reasons why it is not advisable to join the two terminals of an electric cell directly:

1. Short Circuit: Connecting the two terminals directly creates a short circuit, bypassing the intended load or device connected to the cell. This results in a sudden surge of current flowing through the cell, which can generate excessive heat and potentially damage the cell, wires, or other components.

2. Overheating: The short circuit caused by joining the terminals can lead to rapid heating of the cell and surrounding materials due to the high current flow. This can pose a fire hazard, especially if the cell or nearby objects are flammable.

3. Cell Damage: Excessive current flowing through the cell can damage its internal components, such as electrodes and electrolyte, leading to reduced performance or complete failure of the cell. This can render the cell unusable and necessitate replacement.

4. Safety Hazard: The high current resulting from the short circuit can pose a safety risk to individuals handling the cell or nearby equipment. It can cause burns, electrical shocks, or other injuries if proper precautions are not taken.

5. Battery Explosion: In some cases, particularly with certain types of batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, a short circuit can lead to thermal runaway and battery explosion. This occurs when the internal temperature of the battery rises uncontrollably, causing the electrolyte to decompose and release flammable gases, leading to a violent rupture of the battery casing.

To avoid these risks, it is essential to never directly connect the terminals of an electric cell without a load or device in between. Instead, always use the cell to power a load or device as intended, ensuring that proper connections are made and safety precautions are followed to prevent accidents or damage.