Question

The standard electrode potential of the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) is:

• A. +1.00 V
• B. -1.00 V
• C. 0.00 V
• D. +0.76 V

Hint:

Any electrode with a positive standard reduction potential relative to SHE is a better oxidizing agent than \( H^+ \), while those with negative potentials are better reducing agents than \( H_2 \).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The potential of a single electrode cannot be measured in isolation; only the difference in potential between two electrodes can be measured.
To create a relative scale, a reference electrode is needed.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE) is used as the universal reference electrode.
It consists of platinum foil in a 1M acidic solution with pure hydrogen gas bubbled at 1 bar pressure and 298 K temperature.
By convention (IUPAC agreement), the standard electrode potential of SHE is assigned the value of exactly zero volts at all temperatures.
\[ 2H^+(aq) + 2e^- \rightarrow H_2(g); \quad E^\circ = 0.00 \text{ V} \]
Step 3: Final Answer:
The standard electrode potential of SHE is 0.00 V.