SAQ 2.2. Illustrate how wet and dry cells generate power (or current).

Validate your
claim using theories learned in Chapter 9. (15 points)

In order to function, battery cells (i.e. wet and dry cells) have a cathode, an anode, and
an electrolyte. Electron flow from the anode to the cathode in a closed circuit. The
difference between these two types of cells lies on the electrolyte. The ion transport
system between a cell's cathode and anode is provided by the electrolyte. Dry cell uses
a paste electrolyte, moist enough to allow current to flow. In contrast, wet cell uses a
liquid electrolyte. These cells undergo spontaneous redox reactions where the energy
released is converted to electrical energy.

Dry cell

A dry-cell battery must undergo chemical reactions to generate current. The oxidation
reaction occurs at the zinc anode to form zinc cations. Zinc loses two (2) electrons to
form zinc cations. The oxidation half reaction is:
Zn(s ) → Zn2+ ¿
(aq) +2 e
−¿¿
¿

Then, the reduction reaction occurs at the carbon graphite carbon. The electrons
produced during the oxidation of the zinc anode is utilized in the reduction of MnO 2. The
reduction half reaction is:
2 MnO2(s )+ 2 NH +¿
¿ +2 e
−¿→ Mn O +2 NH
2 3(s ) +H O ¿
3(aq )
¿ 2 (l)

The dry-cell battery will function to generate power after reactants have been converted
into products. The overall reaction is:
+¿ 2 +¿
Zn(s )+2 MnO2(s) +2 NH ¿ → Zn(aq) + Mn2 O3(s) +2 NH 3(aq) + H 2 O(l) ¿ ¿
Eo =1.5 V
Wet cell

Like dry cell, wet cell also undergoes oxidation-reduction half-cell reactions to produce
an electromotive force (EMF).

Half-cell reactions:

2+ ¿ −¿¿
Zn(s ) → Zn(aq) +2 e ¿ Oxidation
2+¿ −¿ →Cu(s ) ¿
Cu + 2e
(aq ) ¿ Reduction

Overall electrochemical reaction:

2 +¿ 2 +¿
Zn(s )+Cu(aq) → Cu (s) +Zn(aq) ¿ ¿
Eo =1.10 V