Which type of cell requires the activation of a chemical reaction via heat?

The type of cell that requires the activation of a chemical reaction via heat is the thermal cell. Thermal cells operate by heating the reactants to initiate a reaction that generates electricity. This process often involves endothermic reactions where heat is applied to bring the materials to a temperature threshold, allowing for ion movement and consequently the flow of electric current.

In contrast, wet cells and dry cells operate through chemical reactions occurring at ambient temperatures, where the electrolyte solution in wet cells or the paste in dry cells facilitate the reaction without the need for additional heat. Galvanic cells also rely on spontaneous chemical reactions at normal temperatures and do not need heat activation to generate electric current. Therefore, thermal cells are uniquely identified by their reliance on heat to initiate the chemical reactions necessary for electricity production.