Question

What is electrode potential? Mention the factors affecting it.

Hint:

Remember the Nernst equation: \(E = E^\circ - \dfrac{0.0591}{n} \log \dfrac{[Red]}{[Ox]}\). This shows how concentration and temperature affect electrode potential.

Answer 1

Definition:
Electrode potential is the potential difference developed between a metal electrode and its electrolyte solution when the electrode is in equilibrium with its ions.
It represents the tendency of the electrode to lose or gain electrons.
Factors affecting electrode potential:
1. Nature of metal: Different metals have different tendencies to lose or gain electrons, hence different electrode potentials.
2. Concentration of ions: The concentration of metal ions in solution affects electrode potential according to the Nernst equation.
3. Temperature: Electrode potential varies with temperature as it affects the movement of ions.
4. Pressure of gas (if involved): For electrodes involving gases (like hydrogen electrode), the gas pressure influences the electrode potential.
Thus, electrode potential is not fixed, but depends on these experimental conditions.