MHT CET202618 April 2026Morning ShiftChemistryRedox ReactionsActual
What happens in the oxidation number of Mn during working of dry cell.
Options
- AIncreases by 1
- Bdecreases by 1
- CIncreases by 2
- Ddecreases by 2
Correct answer
B. decreases by 1
Step-by-step solution
In a dry cell, the reaction at the cathode involves the reduction of manganese dioxide ( MnO₂ ). The cathode reaction is: MnO₂ + NH₄^+ + e^- MnO(OH) + NH₃ The oxidation state of Mn in MnO₂ is +4 . The oxidation state of Mn in MnO(OH) is +3 . The oxidation number of Mn changes from +4 to +3 . Thus, the oxidation number of Mn decreases by 1 . Answer: decreases by 1