What is meant by polarization of a cell How is polarization

What is meant by polarization of a cell? How is polarization reduced in the zinc- carbon cell? What are two functions of the zinc can in the zinc-carbon dry cell shown in Fig.12.4(a)? What is the disadvantage of this type of construction?

Solution

Q1

polarization of a cell --> The chemical action that occurs in the cell while the current is flowing causes hydrogen bubbles to form on the surface of the anode... Note that the major factor in reducing the lifetime of primary cells is due to this \"polarization\" effect.

Q2

Zinc function -> clearly it is used as a anode material, that is, it iwll be oxidized, the electorns will flow from Zinc.

The other Zinc function --> Zinc PLate gives a protective/solid layer which divides material from reacting

Disadvantage of this is that zinc reacts readily and it may find many impurities such as chloride ions which form ZnCl2