- Chemical reaction: In an alkaline battery, zinc metal serves as the anode and is oxidized into zinc ions (Zn2+) in the alkaline electrolyte. At the same time, manganese dioxide serves as the cathode and is reduced to manganese oxide (MnO2) during the reaction. These reactions release electrons.
- Electron flow: The released electrons flow through the circuit, from the anode to the cathode, generating current in the circuit, thereby driving external devices to work.
- Ion flow: At the same time, zinc ions move in the electrolyte toward the cathode to maintain charge balance. Hydroxide ions (OH-) move towards the anode.
- Redox reaction: On the cathode, zinc ions and hydroxide ions undergo a redox reaction, zinc ions are reduced to zinc metal, and manganese oxide is oxidized to manganese dioxide.
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