In dry Leclanche cell, manganese (IV) oxide acts as
Answer Details
In a dry Leclanche cell, manganese (IV) oxide acts as a depolarizer. The depolarizer helps to remove hydrogen gas, which is produced at the negative electrode when the cell is in use, by reacting with it to form water. Manganese (IV) oxide is a strong oxidizing agent and it reacts with the hydrogen gas, making it unavailable to react with the cell components, thereby preventing polarization of the cell. This ensures that the cell maintains a steady voltage output over a long period of time.