In mercury cells, the electrolyte plays a crucial role in maintaining the electrochemical reaction, and this specific paste is essential for the cell's efficiency.
Mercury cells use a moist paste of \( NH_4Cl \) (Ammonium chloride) and \( ZnCl_2 \) (Zinc chloride) as the electrolyte. This combination allows for the effective conduction of electricity while maintaining the integrity of the mercury electrode.