The Leclanché cell is a zinc/coal battery. Here the negative pole is the steel-jacketed battery cup made of zinc. The positive pole is formed by a graphite bar which is surrounded by a mixture of graphite powder and manganese dioxide. An ammonium chloride solution (20 %) thickened by starch serves as the electrolyte. This prevents the cell from spilling out.
Experiment C4.4.4.2 demonstrates the principle of this dry cell. The voltage of the cell is first measured with the electrochemistry demonstration unit in the no-load condition. The Leclanché cell is then connected to the motor, and the voltage and current are measured simultaneously.
Reaction at the negative pole:
Reaction at the positive pole:
Reaction in the electrolyte solution: