Why calomel electrode is preferred over hydrogen electrode?
Answers
Answer:
Yes, the calomel electrode is a breakthrough in electrochemical industry due to its ease of its oxidation and reduction reactions. But, the nature of mercury is such that every chemist fears it. There has been cases of mercury poisoning and deaths related to it.
Answer:
Due to the simplicity of its oxidation and reduction reactions, the calomel electrode represents a milestone in the electrochemical sector and is preferred over the hydrogen electrode.
Explanation:
Why is the calomel electrode is preferred?
This reference electrode is made up of molecules of mercury and mercury-chloride. Compared to the SHE, this electrode may be easier to create and maintain. It consists of a rod submerged in a saturated KCl solution with a solid paste of Hg₂Cl₂ and liquid elemental mercury connected to it. Both the setup and replication processes are simple. It is practical and simple to move around. It is quite little and takes up very little room. Due to the fact that it already contains a side tube containing KCl solution, no additional salt bridge is needed. The calomel electrode has the benefit that even if the KCl solution partially evaporates, the concentration of Cl- and, hence, the potential of the electrode, remains constant. The calomel electrode's sensitivity to temperature fluctuations in KCl solubility is a serious drawback.
Thus, a salt electrode that can be used without using much metal is called calomel.