Chemical Used in Electric Cell

Electric cells are devices that convert chemical energy into electrical energy through chemical reactions. One of the common chemicals used in electric cells is zinc-carbon or zinc-manganese dioxide cell.

Zinc-Carbon Cell:
- The zinc-carbon cell consists of a zinc anode, a carbon cathode, and a paste of manganese dioxide and ammonium chloride as the electrolyte.
- During the chemical reaction, zinc atoms on the anode oxidize, producing electrons and zinc ions. These electrons flow through the external circuit, creating an electric current.
- At the cathode, manganese dioxide and ammonium chloride react with the zinc ions, completing the circuit and allowing the cell to continue producing electricity.

Advantages of Zinc-Carbon Cell:
- Affordable and widely available
- Suitable for low-drain devices like remote controls and flashlights

Disadvantages of Zinc-Carbon Cell:
- Limited capacity and short lifespan
- Not rechargeable, leading to environmental waste

Applications of Electric Cells:
- Used in portable electronic devices like watches, calculators, and toys
- Powering emergency lights, smoke detectors, and small appliances

In conclusion, the chemical used in electric cells plays a critical role in generating electrical energy through chemical reactions. The zinc-carbon cell is a common example of a chemical cell that efficiently converts chemical energy into electrical energy for various applications.