Zinc-carbon battery - Chemistry

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In a zinc-carbon dry-cell battery, the zinc shell of the battery is the negative terminal. The zinc is oxidized using the half-equation:

<math>Zn(s) → Zn_2+(aq) + 2e^- = -0.76V</math>

The positive terminal is the carbon (graphite) rod surrounded by the manganese(IV) containing powder. The manganese is combined with carbon powder to increase electrical conductivity.

<math>2MnO_2(s) + H_2(g) \Rightarrow Mn_2O_3(s) + H_2O(l)</math>

Where <math>H_2</math> is provided by <math>NH_4^{+}(aq)</math> :

<math>2NH_4^{+}(aq) + 2e^- \Rightarrow H_2(g) + 2NH_3(aq)</math>

Then the <math>Nh_3</math> bonds with the <math>Zn^{2+}</math>


The overall reaction is:

<math>Zn(s) + 2MnO_2(s) + 2NH_4^{+}(aq) \Rightarrow Mn_2O_3(s) + Zn(NH_3)^{2+}(aq) + H_2O(l)</math>

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