Which of the following is true for a dry cell? a) It contains boric acid, which is a solid acid. b) The graphite rod does not undergo reduction, even though it is the cathode. c) It can be recharged many times. d) all of the above

Respuesta :

A dry cells has b) The graphite rod does not undergo reduction, even though it is the cathode.

Answer: b) The graphite rod does not undergo reduction, even though it is the cathode.

Explanation: Dry cell, is compact form of Leclanche cell. It consists of a cylindrical zinc container which acts as anode. A graphite rod which acts as cathode is placed in the center and is coated with  powdered [tex]MnO_2[/tex] and carbon. The in between space is filled with a paste of [tex]NH_4Cl[/tex] and [tex]ZnCl_2[/tex]

At anode: Oxidation

[tex]Zn\rightarrow Zn%{2+}+2e^-[/tex]

At cathode: Reduction

[tex]2MnO_2+2NH_4^++2e^-\rightarrow Mn_2O_3+2NH_3+H_2O[/tex]

Thus it is [tex]MnO_2[/tex] and not graphite which undergoes reduction.