Silver Oxide button cell (1 Viewer)

[cwag]

Ok, iv been over this topic numerous times, but i continue getting conflicting diagrams and chemistry invloved with the silver oxide button cell.....can anyone confidently tell me the real anode and cathode reactions, and a diagram? I say this because the diagram and equations in my chemistry contexts2 (longman sciences, irwin, farrelly, vitlin, and garette) give me equations as follows:
Anode: Zn_(s)+ 20H^-_(aq) --> Zn(OH)_2(s) + 2e^-
cathode: Ag₂O_(s) + H₂O_(l) + 2e^- --> 2Ag_(s) + 2OH^-_(aq)

the diagram shows a steel cathode with a zn anode case. insulation separting the two, and a Paste of Ag₂O separated with a porous medium. However i have seen many variations on this set up? Anyone?

 

[appletooth]

I'm pretty sure the half equations you've quoted are correct. But I think all (minor, plausible) variations are acceptable anyway.

I've memorised a different silver oxide diagram to the one in Chemistry Contexts 2 though. It's in the Jacaranda textbook, which according to that is comprised of a powdered zinc anode, electrolyte (KOH paste) and a graphite-silver oxide cathode.

 

[cwag]

yea...i dunno....like for example, this diagram

http://support.radioshack.com/support_tutorials/batteries/Images/silveroxide.jpg

shows the anode and cathode in a completely different arrangement....but i always thought the little raised bit in a button cell was + thus the cathode? im so confused

 

[kenankong]

No the flat bit is the positive and thus the cathode, thats why on the flat side of every button cell battery you see the model, make and a plus symbol - cathode

idk what you're thinking but i do know that chemists and physicists may see it differently, reversing the anode and cathode rules, however, the cathode is and always will be the flat side.