ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Edison–Lalande cell

Okay kiddo, have you ever heard of a battery? It's like a small box that has some special stuff inside that helps give power to things like toys, flashlights, or even your TV remote. The Edison-Lalande cell is a special type of battery that was invented a long time ago in 1866 by a smart man named Edison (yes, the same one who invented the light bulb!).

This type of battery is a bit different from the ones you might be used to because it uses chemicals called zinc and platinum. Zinc is a metal that is commonly found in things like jewelry or coins, while platinum is another special metal that's found in fancy jewelry or even in car parts.

When these two chemicals are put together in a special way, they can create a reaction that produces electricity. The electricity is like a sort of energy that can be used to power other things. Imagine a tiny little person inside the battery who is running on a treadmill and generating power to give to your toy car!

The Edison-Lalande cell was important because it was one of the first batteries that could provide a lot of power without taking up too much space. This meant that it was easier to use in things like telegraphs (a kind of old-fashioned way of sending messages) and even early telephones.

So, in summary, the Edison-Lalande cell is a special type of battery that was invented a long time ago and uses chemicals like zinc and platinum to create electricity. It was important because it could provide a lot of power in a small space and was used in things like telegraphs and telephones.