Answer to Question #213607 in Physical Chemistry for mimi

Question

A common reference electrode consists of a silver wire coated with AgCl(s) and immersed in 1 M KCl (pictured in Question 7).

AgCl (s) + e^- → Ag(s) + Cl^- (1 M)      E° = 0.2223 V

Why would this electrode be easier to use than a standard hydrogen electrode?

(a) It is a less spontaneous system than the S.H.E.

(b) It does not use gases, so it is easier to handle.

(c) The S.H.E. is more standard

(d) It yields a lower E_cell value.

Answer 1

(a) It is a less spontaneous system than the S.H.E.