As you would have noticed all batteries have two terminals – a zinc-carbon dry cell or battery is packaged in a zinc can that serves as both a container and negative terminal. The positive terminal is a carbon rod surrounded by a mixture of manganese dioxide and carbon powder . Zinc-carbon batteries are the least expensive primary batteries and thus a popular choice by manufacturers when devices are sold with batteries included. They are commonly labeled as "General Purpose" batteries. They were the first commercial dry battery and made things such as flashlights and other portable devices possible, because the battery can function in any position.

As you would have noticed all batteries have two terminals – a zinc-carbon dry cell or battery is packaged in a zinc can that serves as both a container and negative terminal. The positive terminal is a carbon rod surrounded by a mixture of manganese dioxide and carbon powder . Zinc-carbon batteries are the least expensive primary batteries and thus a popular choice by manufacturers when devices are sold with batteries included. They are commonly labeled as "General Purpose" batteries. They were the first commercial dry battery and made things such as flashlights and other portable devices possible, because the battery can function in any position.