The depolarising agent in a Leclanche cell is?

Answer Details

The depolarizing agent in a Leclanche cell is manganese (IV) oxide. A Leclanche cell is a type of battery that uses a chemical reaction to generate electricity. Inside the cell, there are two electrodes, a zinc plate and a carbon rod, immersed in an electrolyte solution of ammonium chloride. When the cell is in use, the zinc plate undergoes a chemical reaction with the ammonium chloride, releasing electrons and forming zinc chloride and hydrogen gas. This process creates a buildup of positive charge on the zinc plate, which can eventually inhibit the flow of electrons and reduce the cell's efficiency. To counteract this buildup of positive charge, the manganese (IV) oxide acts as a depolarizing agent. It reacts with the hydrogen gas produced by the reaction on the zinc plate, converting it to water and preventing the buildup of positive charge. This allows the cell to continue generating electricity for a longer period of time.