Working of Dry Cell- Everyday Science

A dry cell is a modification of wet Leclanche cell. Dry cell batteries are different from wet cells because their electrolytes are contained in a low-moisture paste.

A dry cell consists of a zinc container whose base acts as the negative electrode or anode.

The carbon rod placed at the center with a brass cap acts as the positive electrode or cathode.

This is surrounded by a mixture of manganese dioxide and charcoal in a muslin bag.

The electrolyte used is a moist paste of ammonium chloride. (NH4Cl)

The outer body (excluding the base) of the zinc container is insulated with cardboard to prevent graphite rod from coming in contact with zinc container.

Working of a dry cell

When the dry cell is connected in a circuit comprising a bulb, current flows in the circuit due to the chemical reaction that takes place in the cell. This makes the bulb glow.

Following reactions take place,

Zn + 2NH4 Cl = ZnCl2 + 2NH3 + H2
Here NH3 and H2 are in the form of ions
The electrode in the dry cell battery has two terminals, one that is positive and one that is negative.

When a bulb is connected to the battery's terminals, a chemical reaction occurs between the electrode and the paste that produces roughly 1.5 volts of electricity.

The electricity produced is conducted out of the battery with the help of an external circuit. This circuit physically connects the battery to an electronic device to function.

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