Alkaline Battery Discharge
Zn + 2MnO2 + H2O → ZnO + 2MnOOH
Overview
Alkaline batteries use zinc powder anode and MnO₂ cathode in potassium hydroxide electrolyte, producing 1.5 V. They offer 4–9 times the capacity of zinc-carbon cells for high-drain devices. The alkaline electrolyte provides lower internal resistance and better performance at high current.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Zinc Zn | 1 | (s) |
| Reactant | Water H₂O | 1 | (l) |
| Reactant | Manganese Dioxide MnO₂ | 2 | (s) |
Everyday Example
Duracell and Energizer AA batteries are alkaline cells — the most common battery type in the developed world.
Industrial Importance
About 10 billion alkaline batteries are sold globally each year, representing the largest segment of the $50 billion primary battery market.
Properties
- Type
- Electrochemical
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -315.0 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Anodizing of Aluminum
Cathodic Protection (Zinc Sacrificial Anode)
Chlor-Alkali Electrolysis
Chrome Electroplating
Copper Electroplating
Daniell Cell (Zinc-Copper Galvanic Cell)
Electrochemical CO₂ Reduction to CO
Electrochemical Machining (ECM)
Electrolysis of Molten NaCl (Downs Process)
Electrolysis of Water
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Alkaline Battery Discharge?
The balanced equation is: Zn + 2MnO₂ + H₂O → ZnO + 2MnOOH.
What type of reaction is Alkaline Battery Discharge?
Alkaline Battery Discharge is a electrochemical reaction.
Is Alkaline Battery Discharge exothermic or endothermic?
Alkaline Battery Discharge is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -315.0 kJ/mol.