Reactivity 3.2.

12
The standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) (HL)
Revision
reference electrode
Metal X

Metal X Cell potential

Mg +1.84 V
Cu 0.00 V
Ag 0.17 V
– 0V +
– –0.76V +

– +
+0.34V
Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE)
Why the electrode potentials of an individual half-cell should be measured
relative to a standard?
Because individual half-cell electrode potentials cannot be measured
in isolation. If something is reduced then something else must be
oxidized.
– +
+0.34V
Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE)
What is the value assigned to the standard hydrogen electrode? Write the half
equation of the standard hydrogen electrode?

Eo = 0V
2H+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ H2(g)
Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE)
What are the standard conditions of a standard hydrogen electrode?

Temperature of 298.15 K
Pressure of hydrogen gas at 100kPa
Hydrogen ion concentration of 1 mol dm-3
Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE)
Why is a metal electrode needed?
Hydrogen gas is a poor conductor of electricity. Platinum is a conductor
of electricity.
Why platinum, instead of other metals, is chosen to be the electrode?

It is an inert metal which has very little tendency to be oxidized and

does not react with acids.

What is the role of finely divided platinum?

It acts as a catalyst. The finely divided platinum increases the surface

area for the adsorption of hydrogen gas.
Standard electrode potential
Define standard electrode potential Eo.

The standard electrode potential Eo is the potential (voltage) of the

reduction half-equation under standard conditions measured relative to
the SHE.
Solute concentration is 1 mol dm-3 or 100 kPa for gases. Eo of the SHE is
0 V. – +
– + +0.34V
–0.76V
Standard electrode potential
What is the convention for tabulating
the standard electrode potentials?

The half-equations for standard

electrode potentials are written as
reduction reactions. The more positive
the electrode potential, the higher the
tendency to undergo reduction relative
to the SHE.
Concept check
Which is the strongest oxidizing agent?
Mn2+ + 2e– ⇌ Mn Eo = –1.18 V
Pb2+ + 2e– ⇌ Pb Eo = –0.13 V
A. Mn2+

B. Pb2+

C. Mn

D. Pb