In a standard commercial mercury cell (often used in low-current devices like hearing aids), what is — Electrochemistry Chemistry Question
Question
In a standard commercial mercury cell (often used in low-current devices like hearing aids), what is the primary solid product formed at the anode during its steady operation?
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
The anode in a mercury cell consists of a Zinc-Mercury amalgam ($Zn(Hg)$). During discharge, zinc undergoes oxidation in the basic medium (provided by $KOH/ZnO$ paste) according to the half-reaction: $Zn(Hg) + 2OH^- \rightarrow ZnO(s) + H_2O + 2e^-$. Thus, Zinc oxide ($ZnO$) is the solid product formed at the anode.
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