Question

Which of the following is the electrolyte used in a dry cell?

(a) Ammonium chloride

(b) Manganese dioxide

(c) Potassium hydroxide

(d) Sulphuric acid

This question was addressed to me by my college director while I was bunking the class.

The doubt is from Electrochemistry in section Electrochemistry of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

The correct answer is (a) Ammonium chloride

To explain I would say: The electrolyte in a dry cell is ammonium chloride in the form of a moist paste placed next to the zinc anode. In some dry cells marketed as “heavy-duty”, the ammonium chloride is replaced by zinc chloride.