Which type of battery utilizes the redox reaction Zn(s) + 2 MnO2(s) → ZnO(s) + Mn2O3(s)?

• A. Lead-acid battery
• B. Lithium-ion battery
• C. Alkaline battery
• D. Nickel-cadmium battery

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants and products in the given redox reaction: Zn(s) + 2 MnO2(s) → ZnO(s) + Mn2O3(s). Notice that zinc (Zn) is being oxidized and manganese dioxide (MnO2) is being reduced.
2. Recall the common types of batteries and their characteristic redox reactions. For example, lead-acid batteries involve Pb and PbO2, lithium-ion batteries involve lithium ions moving between electrodes, and nickel-cadmium batteries involve Ni and Cd.
3. Recognize that the reaction involving zinc and manganese dioxide is typical of alkaline batteries, where zinc acts as the anode and manganese dioxide as the cathode material.
4. Understand that in an alkaline battery, the electrolyte is usually potassium hydroxide (KOH), which facilitates the redox reaction between Zn and MnO2, producing ZnO and Mn2O3 as products.
5. Conclude that the given redox reaction corresponds to the chemistry of an alkaline battery based on the materials involved and the products formed.