Question

Identify what is reduced and what is oxidized in the zinc-carbon dry-cell battery. What features make the alkaline dry cell an improvement over the earlier type of dry-cell battery?

Short answer

In the zinc-carbon dry-cell battery, the zinc anode undergoes oxidation while the manganese dioxide cathode undergoes reduction. The alkaline dry-cell battery is an improvement over the zinc-carbon dry-cell battery due to its higher energy density, longer shelf life, reduced corrosion of the metal electrode, and better performance over a broad range of operating temperatures.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Zinc-Carbon Dry-Cell Battery Operations

A zinc-carbon dry-cell battery consists of a zinc anode, a manganese dioxide cathode, and an acidic electrolyte (usually ammonium chloride or zinc chloride). When the battery is providing power to electronic devices, a redox reaction occurs inside the battery.

Identifying the Reduction and Oxidation Process in Zinc-Carbon Dry-Cell Battery

For a zinc-carbon dry-cell battery, the overall reaction taking place during discharge can be split into two half reactions: Anode (Zinc Oxidation): \( Zn_{(s)} \rightarrow Zn^{2+}_{(aq)} + 2e^{-} \) Cathode (Manganese Dioxide Reduction): \( 2MnO_{2(s)} + 2H_{2}O_{(l)} + 2e^{-} \rightarrow 2MnO(OH)_{(s)} + 2OH^{-}_{(aq)} \) Here, we can see that the zinc anode undergoes oxidation (losing electrons) while the manganese dioxide cathode undergoes reduction (gaining electrons).

Alkaline Dry-Cell - An Improvement Over Zinc-Carbon Dry-Cell Battery

The alkaline dry cell is considered an improvement over the zinc-carbon dry cell due to the following features: 1. Electrolyte: Instead of using acidic electrolyte (ammonium chloride or zinc chloride), alkaline dry cells use an alkaline electrolyte (potassium hydroxide). This reduces the corrosion on the zinc anode and slows down the battery's self-discharge rate. 2. Energy Density: Alkaline dry cells have higher energy density compared to zinc-carbon dry cells, which means they can provide more power for a longer duration. 3. Shelf Life: Alkaline batteries have a longer shelf life compared to zinc-carbon batteries, as the self-discharge rate is lower for alkaline batteries. 4. Operating Temperature: Alkaline dry-cell can work efficiently over a more extensive range of operating temperatures compared to zinc-carbon dry-cell batteries. In conclusion, in the zinc-carbon dry-cell battery, zinc anode undergoes oxidation, and manganese dioxide cathode undergoes reduction. The alkaline dry cell is an improvement over the earlier zinc-carbon dry cell due to features such as higher energy density, longer shelf life, reduced corrosion of the metal electrode, and better performance over a broad range of operating temperatures.

Key concepts

Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

In a zinc-carbon dry-cell battery, essential chemical processes occur through phenomena known as oxidation-reduction reactions or redox reactions. These reactions involve the transfer of electrons between two different substances.

In a redox reaction, oxidation refers to the loss of electrons from a substance. On the other side of the equation, reduction involves the gain of electrons. These processes are complementary, meaning one cannot occur without the other.

• In the zinc-carbon dry-cell battery, oxidation happens at the anode which is made of zinc. During this process, zinc metal, which is the anode, loses electrons and forms zinc ions. The chemical equation for this oxidation process is: \( Zn_{(s)} \rightarrow Zn^{2+}_{(aq)} + 2e^{-} \)


• Conversely, at the cathode, reduction takes place. The manganese dioxide cathode gains electrons, which leads to the formation of new substances. The chemical equation for this reduction half-reaction is: \( 2MnO_{2(s)} + 2H_{2}O_{(l)} + 2e^{-} \rightarrow 2MnO(OH)_{(s)} + 2OH^{-}_{(aq)} \)

Each electron transfer is accompanied by an energy release, which is responsible for powering devices. Understanding these reactions helps clarify how batteries convert chemical energy into electrical energy.

Alkaline vs Zinc-Carbon Batteries

A key difference between alkaline and zinc-carbon batteries lies in their chemical composition and performance capabilities. While both batteries serve similar purposes, alkaline batteries have some advantages.

• **Electrolyte Composition:** In zinc-carbon batteries, the electrolyte is acidic, composed of either ammonium chloride or zinc chloride. In contrast, alkaline batteries use an alkaline electrolyte, potassium hydroxide. This change helps reduce corrosion in the battery and enhances its longevity.
• **Energy Density:** Alkaline batteries have a higher energy density than their zinc-carbon counterparts. This means alkaline batteries can store more energy, allowing devices to run longer between changes.
• **Shelf Life and Performance:** The structure of alkaline batteries helps maintain a lower self-discharge rate, improving their shelf life compared to zinc-carbon batteries. Additionally, alkaline batteries operate effectively over a broader range of temperatures, making them more versatile for different environments.

The improvements in alkaline batteries make them an efficient choice for many applications, despite the initial cost being higher compared to zinc-carbon batteries.

Battery Chemistry

Battery chemistry refers to the specific chemical reactions and compositions that occur within different types of batteries. The zinc-carbon dry-cell battery is a primary example of a battery developed for reliable electronic use.

Within the zinc-carbon battery, a combination of zinc anode, manganese dioxide cathode, and an acidic electrolyte facilitates a flow of electrons. This flow creates electric current, enabling electronic devices to function. The chemistry of a battery determines factors such as:

• **Voltage Output:** The chemical reactions in zinc-carbon batteries typically provide a voltage of about 1.5 volts per cell.
• **Capacity:** The capacity is a measure of how long a battery can power a device before depletion. While zinc-carbon batteries are cost-effective, their capacity is less than that of alkaline batteries, requiring more frequent replacements.
• **Environmental Impact:** The production and disposal of batteries have environmental implications. Zinc-carbon batteries, due to their materials, may have different environmental impacts compared to others like alkaline batteries, which can be more sustainable.

Understanding battery chemistry not only aids in choosing suitable batteries for specific applications but also emphasizes the technological advancements made in battery development over the years.