Batteries act as spontaneous electrochemical cells that help to generate electricity.
Dry-Cell Batteries
These types of batteries get their names from the fact that they contain very little water.
Concept #1: Dry-Cell Batteries
The overall reaction within a typical dry-cell battery is
Zn (s) + 2 MnO2 (s) + 2 NH4+ (aq) → Zn2+ (aq) + Mn2O3 (s) + 2 NH3 (g) + H2O (l)
Alkaline Batteries
These types of batteries get their names from the fact that they operate within a basic medium.
Concept #2: The counterpart to an acidic dry-cell battery is the alkaline battery.
The overall reaction within a typical alkaline battery is
Zn (s) + 2 MnO2 (s) + 2 H2O (l) → Zn(OH)2 (s) + 2 MnO(OH) (s)