Answer:
An electrolyte is used in an alkaline zinc/manganese dioxide cell. There are two electrodes in the battery, one is positive (zinc) and the other is negative (manganese dioxide). Oxidation takes place at anode, while at cathode reduction reaction occurs.
The half-reactions are:
Reaction at Anode:
Zn(s) + 2OH−(aq) → ZnO(s) + H2O(l) + 2e− (Oxidation)
Reaction at Cathode:
2MnO2(s) + H2O(l) + 2e− → Mn2O3(s) + 2OH−(aq) (Reduction)
Overall Reaction:
Zn(s) + 2MnO2(s) ⇌ ZnO(s) + Mn2O3(s)
