MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

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 (NH_4Cl) and zinc chloride (ZnCl_2), which serves as the electrolyte. Manganese dioxide (MnO_2) 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: Ammonium chloride and zinc chloride