Platinum in cell diagram

[Abigail Menchaca_1H]

Why do we use Platinum when drawing the cell diagram?

[Paul Hage 2G]

Platinum is introduced into the cell diagram when there are no solid metals as part of the anode or cathode of the cell diagram. It serves as an inert electrode (provides a surface for the transfer of electrons, but does not affect or participate in the redox reaction).

[Shail Avasthi 2C]

You need a solid metal to conduct the flow of electrons when both compounds of your anode or cathode are in aqueous solution. Platinum is used when it is not involved in the chemistry of the galvanic cell, and therefore will not be oxidized or reduced while acting as a conducting metal.

[Jack Riley 4f]

You need a metal to conduct the electrons and platinum is inert and doesn't interfere with the redox reaction

[Abhi Vempati 2H]

In addition to what everyone is saying, there was a specific example done in lecture.

In his example last Friday, Professor Lavelle showed a cell with copper and iron in it. In the copper half reaction, Cu(s) was present, so we can use the solid itself as an electrode. However, in the iron half reaction, there was Fe²⁺(aq) and Fe³⁺(aq). There's no solid to act as an electrode, which is why we need something like platinum to be that electrode. Hope this helps!

[charleejohnson1L]

Platinum is introduced into the cell diagram when there are no solid metals as part of the anode or cathode of the cell diagram. It serves as an inert electrode (provides a surface for the transfer of electrons, but does not affect or participate in the redox reaction).

^^ this! also when you write it with the | and ||, it will always go on the ends :) I hope this helps!

[Bilal Pandit 1J]

You always need something solid that can act as the actual electrode, so you would use a metal like Pt as that electrode.

[pmokh14B]

Because you need a material that can act as an electrode but not be involved in the reaction.

[Robin Cadd 1D]

Platinum is introduced into the cell diagram when there are no solid metals as part of the anode or cathode of the cell diagram. It serves as an inert electrode (provides a surface for the transfer of electrons, but does not affect or participate in the redox reaction).

Another important point to note: platinum is not the only inert electrode. Graphite can also serve this same purpose, but it’s less common.

[Katie Bart 1I]

Could you use other metals? Or only Pt?

[ABombino_2J]

Graphite and gold are some other metals that also work in place of platinum.