Unlike dry cell,the mercury cell has a constant cell potential throughout its useful life. Why?

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) The cell potential of a mercury cell remains constant throughout its useful life because the overall cell reaction does not involve any ions whose concentration could change.
In a mercury cell,$Zn(Hg)$ is used as the anode and $HgO$ with carbon paste is used as the cathode. The electrode reactions are as follows:
Cathode: $HgO_{(s)} + H_2O_{(l)} + 2e^- \rightarrow Hg_{(l)} + 2OH^-_{(aq)}$
Anode: $Zn(Hg) + 2OH^-_{(aq)} \rightarrow ZnO_{(s)} + H_2O_{(l)} + 2e^-$
Overall cell reaction: $Zn(Hg) + HgO_{(s)} \rightarrow ZnO_{(s)} + Hg_{(l)}$
Since the overall reaction involves only solids and liquids,the concentration of the species remains constant,resulting in a steady cell potential of $1.35 \ V$.

Explore More

Similar Questions

In which of the following cases a chemical reaction is possible?

Consider a cell given below $Cu \,|\, Cu^{2+} \,|\, | \, Cl^{-} \,|\, Cl_2$,$Pt$. Write the reactions that occur at anode and cathode.

Match List-$I$ with List-$II$:
List-$I$ (Applications) List-$II$ (Batteries/Cell)
$A$. Transistors $I$. Anode $- Zn/Hg$; Cathode $- HgO + C$
$B$. Hearing aids $II$. Hydrogen fuel cell
$C$. Inverters $III$. Anode $- Zn$; Cathode $- Carbon$
$D$. Apollo space ship $IV$. Anode $- Pb$; Cathode $- PbO_2$

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Give the symbolic representation of the following galvanic cells:
$(i)$ Daniell cell
$(ii)$ Copper-Silver cell

Which of the following is used as an electrolyte in a dry cell (Leclanché cell)?

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo