What are the electrodes of the common dry cell?

The correct answer identifies the electrodes of the common dry cell as carbon and zinc. In a typical dry cell, the zinc acts as the anode, which is the negative terminal, while the carbon serves as the cathode, the positive terminal.

During the electrochemical reaction that powers the dry cell, zinc oxidizes and releases electrons, creating a flow of electric current. Meanwhile, the carbon electrode allows for the reduction process where ions from the electrolyte are reduced, completing the circuit. This setup is critical for the functioning of batteries, as the flow of electrons from the anode to the cathode generates electrical energy that can be harnessed for various applications.

Understanding the roles of these materials in the dry cell is essential for anyone working with electrical systems, as it provides insight into how energy storage and transfer occurs in batteries.