5.2 electrode potentials

Question 1

what does an electrode potential measure?

Answer 1

an electrode potential measures how easy or difficult it is for reduction to take place

Question 2

what is reduction?

Answer 2

reduction is the gain of electrons

Question 3

what are electrode potentials measured in?

Answer 3

electrode potentials are measured in volts (V)

Question 4

what does a more positive voltage mean?

Answer 4

a more positive voltage means that it is easier to reduce the species

Question 5

whats does a more negative voltage mean?

Answer 5

a more negative voltage means it is more difficult to reduce the species

Question 6

what is a standard electrode potential?

Answer 6

a standard electrode potential is the voltage produced by a half cell compared with a standard hydrogen half cell under standard conditions

Question 7

what are the standard conditions?

Answer 7

the standard conditions are:

• 1.0 mol dmˉ³ of solution
• 101 kPa (or 1 atm)
• 298K (or 25°C)

Question 8

what is needed for a standard hydrogen half cell?

Answer 8

a standard hydrogen half cell requires:

• 1.0 M (or mol dmˉ³) of H⁺ solution
• H2 gas at 101 kPa
• 298K
• a platinum electrode
• a glass bell jar