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Leclanche Cell

Leclanche Cell is a zinc-carbon battery known as a dry cell and is widely used in devices such as flashlights and portable zinc-manganese dioxide systems. It was initially used in telegraphy, signaling, and electric bell work.

In this article, we will see what Leclanche Cell is, its history, construction, applications, etc.



What is Leclanche Cell?

Leclanche Cell is a type of battery, a zinc-carbon primary cell that contains an electrolytic solution of ammonium chloride, a carbon cathode, a depolarizer of manganese dioxide, and an anode of zinc. The Leclanché cell is inexpensive to produce and provides a steady flow of electricity for a decent amount of time, making it popular due to its convenience and practicality.



However, more advanced battery technologies, such as alkaline and lithium-ion batteries, have largely replaced it.

Principle of Leclanche Cell

Principle of the Leclanche cell is based on the chemical reaction between the zinc anode and the manganese dioxide cathode in an electrolytic solution of ammonium chloride.

History of Leclanche Cell

Georges Leclanché, a French engineer, invented the Leclanche cell in 1866. This battery, initially containing a conducting solution of ammonium chloride, a carbon cathode, a manganese dioxide depolarizer, and a zinc anode, quickly succeeded in telegraphy, signaling, and electric bell work.

The cell’s design was later adapted to create more portable and efficient dry cells, such as the porous pot cell and the sack cell. Due to its low cost and practicality, it was a commercial success in large sizes and remained the least expensive dry cell for a significant period.

Leclanche Cell Diagram

Diagram of Leclanche Cell is shown below:

Leclanche Cell Construction

A Leclanche cell is constructed using a glass vessel filled with electrolyte of ammonium chloride solution. Let’s learn in detail about the components of leclanche and steps how to make it.

Components of Leclanche Cell

Materials required to construct a Leclanche cell are as follows:

Steps to Set Up Leclanche Cell

Steps to set up a Leclanche cell are,

Step 1: Take a glass vessel and fill it with ammonium chloride solution, which acts as an electrolyte.

Step 2: Place a zinc rod in the ammonium chloride solution. Zinc rod serves as anode.

Step 3: Fill a porous pot with a mixture of manganese dioxide and powdered carbon. Porous pot contains a carbon rod, which acts as cathode.

Step 4: Insert the porous pot into the glass vessel containing the ammonium chloride solution.

Step 5: Connect the zinc and carbon rods with a wire to complete the circuit.

Step 6: Leclanche cell is now set up and ready to use.

Note: Leclanche cell can also be set up in a dry cell form, which uses a paste electrolyte instead of a liquid one.

Working of a Leclanche cell

The working of leclanche cell can be understood in the terms of following chemical reactions:

Zn(s) → Zn2+(aq) + 2e

2NH4+(aq) + 2e→ 2NH3(g) + H2(g)

MnO2(s) + 2NH4+(aq) + 2e → MnO(OH)(s) + 2NH3(g) + H2O(l)

Zn(s) + 2MnO2(s) + 2NH4Cl(aq) → ZnCl2(aq) + Mn2O3(s) + 2NH3(g) + H2O(l)

Difference between Leclanche Cell and Daniel Cell

Difference between Leclanche Cell and Daniel Cell is given below in table.

Leclanche Cell vs Daniel Cell

Features

Leclanche Cell

Daniel Cell

Electrodes

Leclanche cell contains a zinc anode and a carbon cathode with manganese dioxide

Daniel cell contains a zinc anode and a copper cathode

Electrolyte

It uses an electrolyte of ammonium chloride,

It uses a solution of copper sulfate and zinc sulfate

Working Principle

Leclanche cell operates by the oxidation of zinc at the anode and the reduction of manganese dioxide at the cathode.

Daniel cell operates by the oxidation of zinc at the anode and the reduction of copper at the cathode

Voltage

It produces a voltage of around 1.5 volts

It produces a voltage of around 1.08 volts

Durability

It is more durable

It is less durable

Applications of Leclanche cells

Some of applications of Leclanche cell are,

Read More,

Leclanche Cell Frequently Asked Questions

How does Leclanche Cell Work?

Leclanche cell works through a chemical reaction between zinc and manganese dioxide, with an ammonium chloride solution acting as the electrolyte.

What is Voltage Produced by Leclanche Cell?

Voltage produced by a Leclanche cell is around 1.5 volts.

What is Construction of Leclanche Cell?

Construction of a Leclanche cell includes a zinc anode, a manganese dioxide cathode, and an ammonium chloride electrolyte in a porous pot.

What are Uses of Leclanche Cell?

Leclanche cells are commonly used in devices like flashlights and portable electronic gadgets.

How is Leclanche Cell different from Daniel Cell?

Unlike Daniel cell, a Leclanche cell is dry, making it more portable and suitable for everyday devices, while a Daniel cell uses a liquid electrolyte.

What is Leclanche Cell also Called?

Leclanche Cell is also called as Zinc Carbon Battery.

What is Example of Leclanche Cell?

Leclanche Cell is also called Dry Cell.


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