HOMEWORK 3

Name: O’Neil Leitch

USI: 1024833
Lecturer: Ms. Dione Holder
Course Name: Metallurgy
Course Code: MEC 3206
Date of Submission: 23/03/202
Question

In practice, it is often impractical to use the Standard Hydrogen Electrode due to its fragility and
delicate nature. As such, a range of secondary reference electrodes are used.

I. What are the drawbacks of using a Standard Hydrogen Electrode?

II. Draw a typical reference electrode cell arrangement and label its parts.

III. List and write brief notes on alternative reference electrodes.

IV. Which of the alternative reference electrodes is most commonly used?

Question 1

What are the drawbacks of using a Standard Hydrogen Electrode?

1.It is very difficult to maintain the pressure of the H2 gas to be at absolutely 1 atm throughout
the experiment.
2. The H+ concentration becomes smaller when excess H2 that carries little HCL bubbles out
3. The impurity’s existent in the gas and HCl corrodes the platinum wire.
4.If the solution is comprised of oxidizing agent , the H2 electrode cannot be used
5.It is very costly and complex to prepare the ideal porous platinised platinum
6.It is very intricate to obtain pure ,dry Hydrogen gas.
Question ii
Draw a typical reference electrode cell arrangement and label its parts.
Question iii
List and write brief notes on alternative reference electrodes.

1.The copper-copper (II) sulphate electrode.

2. Silver/Silver Chloride (Ag/AgCl)
3. Saturated Calomel Electrode (S.C.E)

The copper-copper (II) sulphate electrode.

This is a reference electrode of the first kind, based on the redox reaction with participation of
the metal (copper) and its salt, copper (II) sulphate.

Silver/Silver Chloride (Ag/AgCl)

This reference electrode is composed of a silver wire, usually coated with a layer of solid silver
chloride. This wire is then immersed in a solution that is saturated with silver chloride and
potassium chloride. The silver/silver chloride reference electrode offers a stable half-cell
potential that do not change with time or temperature and the loss of electrolyte as a result of
evaporation does not change the saturated nature nor the potential of the solution.

Saturated Calomel Electrode (S.C.E)

The S.C.E is a half-cell comprising mercurous chloride and a mercury pool. These components
are either enclosed in a fritted compartment or layered under a saturated solution and then placed
into a broad glass tube of potassium chloride. A platinum wire is generally used to make
electrical contact with mercury.
Question IV

Which of the alternative reference electrodes is most commonly used?

The Saturated Calomel Electrode (S.C.E) is commonly used. This is because of its ease with
assembly and transport, it is more robust and the components needed at easily accessible.
References

Websites:

Bail, R., 2020. Standard Reference Electrodes. [online] Corrosion-doctors.org. Available at:

<https://www.corrosion-doctors.org/References/Standard.htm> [Accessed 23 March 2020].

Basif, T., 2020. Limitations Of Standard Hydrogen Electrode - Chemistry - Electrochemistry -

8514717 | Meritnation.Com. [online] Meritnation.com. Available at:
<https://www.meritnation.com/ask-answer/question/limitations-of-standard-hydrogen-
electrode/electrochemistry/8514717> [Accessed 23 March 2020].

Mantle, B., 2020. Copper/Copper Sulfate Reference Electrode. [online] Corrosion-doctors.org.

Available at: <https://corrosion-doctors.org/Corrosion-Thermodynamics/Reference-Half-Cells-
Copper.htm> [Accessed 23 March 2020].

Powers, m., 2020. What A Disadvantages To Using A Hydrogen Electrode - Answers. [online]

Answers. Available at:
<https://www.answers.com/Q/What_a_disadvantages_to_using_a_hydrogen_electrode>
[Accessed 23 March 2020].

Sprindal, J., 2020. Limitations Of Standard Hydrogen Electrode - [DOC Document]. [online]

vdocuments.mx. Available at: <https://vdocuments.mx/limitations-of-standard-hydrogen-
electrode.html> [Accessed 23 March 2020].