Step 1: Understanding the Concept
A dry cell (Leclanche cell) has a zinc container as the anode and a graphite rod surrounded by manganese dioxide as the cathode. The electrolyte is the medium between them that carries ions.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation
The electrolyte is a moist paste of ammonium chloride (\(\text{NH}_4\text{Cl}\)) and zinc chloride (\(\text{ZnCl}_2\)).
(A) Potassium hydroxide is the electrolyte of the alkaline cell and mercury cell, not the ordinary dry cell. (B) Sulphuric acid is used in the lead storage battery. (D) Manganese dioxide is a depolariser that mixes with carbon at the cathode, so it is not the electrolyte.
Final Answer:
The electrolyte is ammonium chloride with zinc chloride, option (C).
\[ \boxed{\text{NH}_4\text{Cl} + \text{ZnCl}_2} \]