Question:

Which from following statements regarding mercury battery is NOT true?

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The electrolyte in a mercury cell is basic KOH paste.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • It is a primary dry cell.
  • It consists of Zn anode amalgamated with mercury.
  • The electrolyte is strongly acidic.
  • In this Hg is obtained by reduction of HgO
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The mercury cell is a primary cell used in watches and hearing aids. It gives a steady voltage of about 1.35 V.

Step 2: Its parts:
Anode: zinc amalgamated with mercury. Cathode: a paste of HgO and carbon. Electrolyte: a paste of KOH and ZnO.
Cathode reaction: \(HgO + H_2O + 2e^- \rightarrow Hg + 2OH^-\).

Step 3: Check each statement:
(A) It is a primary cell, true. (B) Zinc-mercury amalgam anode, true. (D) HgO is reduced to Hg at the cathode, true. (C) says the electrolyte is strongly acidic. The electrolyte is KOH, which is strongly basic, so (C) is not true.

Final Answer:
The electrolyte is KOH (basic), so option (C) is the false statement. \[ \boxed{C} \]
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