Question:

Write the anode, cathode and overall reaction involved in a dry cell.

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Zn oxidised at anode; MnO₂ reduced at cathode.
Updated On: Jun 16, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Concept: A dry cell (the common torch battery) has a zinc container that acts as the anode and a carbon rod surrounded by $\mathrm{MnO_2}$ that acts as the cathode, with a moist $\mathrm{NH_4Cl}$ paste in between.

Step 1: At the anode (zinc loses electrons)
The zinc gives up electrons and goes into solution as $\mathrm{Zn^{2+}}$:\[ Zn \rightarrow Zn^{2+} + 2e^- \]

Step 2: At the cathode (manganese is reduced)
The electrons travel to the cathode where $\mathrm{MnO_2}$ is reduced with the help of the ammonium ions:\[ 2MnO_2 + 2NH_4^+ + 2e^- \rightarrow Mn_2O_3 + 2NH_3 + H_2O \]

Step 3: Add them for the overall reaction
\[ Zn + 2MnO_2 + 2NH_4^+ \rightarrow Zn^{2+} + Mn_2O_3 + 2NH_3 + H_2O \]

Answer: Anode: $Zn \rightarrow Zn^{2+} + 2e^-$; Cathode: $2MnO_2 + 2NH_4^+ + 2e^- \rightarrow Mn_2O_3 + 2NH_3 + H_2O$; Overall: $Zn + 2MnO_2 + 2NH_4^+ \rightarrow Zn^{2+} + Mn_2O_3 + 2NH_3 + H_2O$.
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