Question

Alkaline cells (batteries) typically contain manganese ions and solid zinc. Which of the following must be correct?

a. the manganese gets reduced and the zinc oxidized
b. the manganese and zinc both get reduced
c. the manganese and zinc both get oxidized
d. the manganese gets oxidized and zinc reduced

Answer 1

The correct answer is d. the manganese gets oxidized and the zinc gets reduced.

Step-by-step explanation:

In alkaline cells, the oxidation half-reaction occurs at the zinc anode, where zinc atoms lose electrons to form zinc ions: Zn(s) -> Zn²+(aq) + 2e-

The reduction half-reaction occurs at the manganese cathode, where manganese ions gain electrons to form manganese oxide: 2MnO₂(s) + 2H₂O(l) + 2e- -> Mn₂O₃(s) + 4OH-(aq)

Since the reduction half-reaction involves the gain of electrons, this means that manganese is being reduced. And since the oxidation half-reaction involves the loss of electrons, this means that zinc is being oxidized.

Therefore, the correct answer is d. the manganese gets oxidized and the zinc gets reduced.