JEE Main · 2024 · Shift-IeasyEC-092

The reaction at cathode in the cells commonly used in clocks involves:

Electrochemistry · Class 12 · JEE Main Previous Year Question

Question

The reaction at cathode in the cells commonly used in clocks involves:

Options
  1. a

    reduction of Mn from +7 to +2

  2. b

    reduction of Mn from +4 to +3

  3. c

    oxidation of Mn from +3 to +4

  4. d

    oxidation of Mn from +2 to +7

Correct Answerb

reduction of Mn from +4 to +3

Detailed Solution

Strategy: Identify the components and chemistry of the Leclanché (dry) cell commonly used in clocks and remote controls.

Cell Chemistry:

  • Anode: Zinc container (\ceZnZn2++2e\ce{Zn \rightarrow Zn^{2+} + 2e^-}).
  • Cathode: Carbon rod surrounded by powdered \ceMnO2\ce{MnO2}.
  • Reaction at Cathode: \ceMnO2+NH4++eMnO(OH)+NH3\ce{MnO2 + NH4^+ + e^- \rightarrow MnO(OH) + NH3}

Oxidation States:

  • In \ceMnO2\ce{MnO2}, Mn is +4+4.
  • In \ceMnO(OH)\ce{MnO(OH)}, Mn is +3+3. There is a reduction from +4+4 to +3+3.

Answer: (b) reduction of Mn from +4 to +3\boxed{\text{Answer: (b) reduction of Mn from +4 to +3}}

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