MHT CET202615 April 2026Evening ShiftChemistryElectrochemistryActual
Which of the following is an electrolyte in dry cell ?
Options
- APotassium hydroxide
- BSulphuric acid
- CAmmonium chloride and zinc chloride
- DManganese dioxide
Correct answer
C. Ammonium chloride and zinc chloride
Step-by-step solution
A dry cell, also known as a Leclanché cell, consists of a zinc container that acts as the anode and a carbon (graphite) rod that acts as the cathode. The space between the electrodes is filled with a moist paste of ammonium chloride ( NH₄Cl ) and zinc chloride ( ZnCl₂ ), which serves as the electrolyte. Manganese dioxide ( MnO₂ ) mixed with carbon powder surrounds the cathode and acts as a depolarizer, while potassium hydroxide is used in alkaline batteries and sulphuric acid in lead-acid accumulators. Answer: Ammo