Question: Step 1: Zn + 4OH - Zn(OH) 4 2- + 2e - Step 2: Zn(OH) 4 2- ZnO + H 2 O + 2OH -

Step 1: Zn + 4OH- Zn(OH)42- + 2e-

Step 2: Zn(OH)42- ZnO + H2O + 2OH-

(a) Verify that Step 2 of the Zn reaction is not an electrochemical reaction. In other words, show that the oxidation states of all the elements stays the same.

(b) Commercial AA batteries use the same Zn anode and alkaline electrolyte as the one in the mercury cell, but use a MnO2 cathode, which changes to MnOOH during the reaction. Determine the balanced cathodic half-reaction and overall reactions. (Hint: Species in the half-reactions may cancel out when they are added together to make the overall reaction. Also, keep in mind that in an alkaline electrolyte, you will not have protons dissolved in water, but rather hydroxide ions.)

Step by Step Solution

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock blur-text-image
Question Has Been Solved by an Expert!

Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts

Step: 2 Unlock
Step: 3 Unlock

Students Have Also Explored These Related Chemical Engineering Questions!