Chapter 8, Problem 8RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Difference between alkaline cells and Zinc-carbon dry cell must be explained.

Concept Introduction:

An electrochemical cell is device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. An electrochemical cell is used to produce electricity from chemical reactions.

A battery is a device formed by a combination of electrochemical cells. It converts stored chemical energy into electricity.

A dry cell is a battery with the dry electrolyte which has just enough water to allow the electrons to flow. It is portable and convenient to use. A dry cell is a primary cell that is it cannot be reused.

A zinc-carbon dry cell consists of zinc outer container which also acts as anode. The carbon rod at the center is the cathode. Cathode is surrounded by a mixture of carbon and Manganese (IV) oxide which is the electrolyte. Electrolyte is a paste of ammonium chloride.