Chapter 6.2, Problem 12R

To determine

To explain: The way a carbon-zinc dry cell produces a voltage difference between the positive and negative terminals.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

A dry cell is a type of cylindrical electric battery used in electrical devices like a flashlight or a remote control.

In a zinc-carbon dry cell, one electrode is a carbon rod while the other is a zinc container. When the two terminals of the dry cell are connected in a circuit, a chemical reaction takes place which causes a transfer of electrons between some of the compound. As a result, the carbon rod becomes positively charged while electrons accumulate on the zinc, making it negatively charged. Hence a voltage difference is created between the two terminals.

Conclusion:

The voltage difference between the two terminals, causes a current to flow through a closed circuit in the battery.