What determines the amount of current a cell can provide?

The amount of current a cell can provide is primarily determined by the area of the cell plates. In electrochemical cells, the plates (or electrodes) serve as the surfaces where the chemical reactions take place that generate electrical energy. A larger area provides more surface for these reactions, resulting in a higher rate of reaction and, consequently, a greater flow of electrons, which translates to a higher current.

While other factors like voltage rating, load resistance, and the age of the cell can influence performance, they do not directly determine the cell's maximum current output. For instance, a higher voltage rating may indicate a potential to deliver more power, but it doesn't inherently increase current capacity without sufficient plate area. Similarly, the resistance of the connected load affects the current flowing through the circuit once it is established, but it does so based on Ohm's Law. The age of the cell can degrade its performance but isn't a fundamental determinant of the current capacity at a baseline level. Therefore, the area of the cell plates is the primary factor in determining how much current can be delivered by the cell.