MHT CET Medical202623 April 2026Evening ShiftChemistryElectrochemistryActual
Which of the following paste is used in dry cell as an electrolyte?
Options
- APaste of ammonium chloride ( NH ₄ Cl ) and zinc chloride ( ZnCl ₂ )
- BPaste of manganese dioxide ( MnO ₂ ) and carbon black
- CPaste of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and zinc oxide (ZnO)
- DPaste of sodium hydroxide ( NaOH ) and zinc chloride ( ZnCl ₂ )
Correct answer
A. Paste of ammonium chloride ( NH ₄ Cl ) and zinc chloride ( ZnCl ₂ )
Step-by-step solution
A dry cell (Leclanché cell) consists of a zinc container which acts as the anode and a carbon (graphite) rod surrounded by powdered manganese dioxide ( MnO ₂ ) and carbon which acts as the cathode. The space between the electrodes is filled with a moist paste of ammonium chloride ( NH ₄ Cl ) and zinc chloride ( ZnCl ₂ ), which acts as the electrolyte. Answer: Paste of ammonium chloride ( NH ₄ Cl ) and zinc chloride ( ZnCl ₂ )