A primary cell that contains a carbon-rod anode and a zinc cathode. The electrolyte is 10–20% ammonium chloride solution. Polarization is minimized by means of a depolarizer consisting of manganese dioxide mixed with crushed carbon, held in contact with the anode. This wet cell, devised by Leclanché in 1867, has an e.m.f. of about 1.5 volts. The present-day dry cell based on it uses an ammonium chloride paste as electrolyte with the zinc cathode as the container, protected by a plastic wrapping. The dry cell is used in torches, radios, etc.