Open AccessA unique electrode potential characteristic of a metal, and a theory for the mechanism of electrode potential
Author(s) -
A. L. McAulay,
E. C. R. Spooner
Publication year - 1932
Publication title -
proceedings of the royal society of london. series a, containing papers of a mathematical and physical character
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2053-9150
pISSN - 0950-1207
DOI - 10.1098/rspa.1932.0198
Subject(s) - nernst equation , electrode potential , electrode , standard electrode potential , standard hydrogen electrode , salt solution , metal , electric potential , chemistry , salt (chemistry) , potential difference , reference electrode , inorganic chemistry , materials science , voltage , physics , electrolyte , quantum mechanics , organic chemistry
Metal electrodes immersed in air free solutions of KCl were found to come to a definite reproducible potential. From the Nernst expression, this potential corresponds to a certain concentration in the solution of the ion of the electrode metal. Chemical analysis showed that the concentration that actually exists in the bulk of the solution is much smaller than that deduced from the potential, even after electrode and solution have been in contact for weeks. It was felt that a knowledge of the cause of this definite potential was fundamental to the general investigation of the potentials of metals in solutions of varying aeration,p H , and salt concentration, a subject of great practical importance which is at present in rather an indefinite and unsatisfactory condition.