MHT CET202615 April 2026Morning ShiftChemistryElectrochemistryActual
Which from following statements regarding mercury battery is NOT true?
Options
- AIt is a primary dry cell.
- BIt consists of Zn anode amalgamated with mercury.
- CThe electrolyte is strongly acidic.
- DIn this Hg is obtained by reduction of HgO
Correct answer
C. The electrolyte is strongly acidic.
Step-by-step solution
A mercury battery is a primary dry cell. The anode consists of zinc amalgamated with mercury, Zn(Hg) . The cathode is a paste of HgO and carbon, where HgO is reduced to Hg during the operation of the cell. The electrolyte is a paste of KOH and ZnO . Since KOH is a strong base, the electrolyte is strongly alkaline, not acidic. Therefore, the statement that the electrolyte is strongly acidic is incorrect. Answer: The electrolyte is strongly acidic.