Drawing a Cell Diagram

[Isaac_Partida_1F]

When you are drawing a cell diagram when do you include a salt bridge and when do you include Pt(s) on the left and on the right side of the diagram?

[Aishwarya_Natarajan_2F]

You include Pt on the side of the cell diagram if on that side of the diagram it is not possible to have a solid electrode of that substance, for example for hydrogen you could use Pt as an electrode. If this is the case for both the anode and cathode sides, you would do this on both sides. Pt is an example of an inert metallic element that can be used as an electrode without affecting the reaction itself.

The salt bridge is used to compete the electrical circuit and ensure a flow of ions to keep the reaction sustained in order to create a voltage, and so if I'm not mistaken, unless told otherwise assume that there is one.

[Tyler_Ash_3C]

You don't write the salt bridge in the diagram. You include Pt(s) when the anode or cathode or both do not have a solid in their half reaction. This is because a solid electrode must be present for the system to function. Pt(s) is used because it is an inert conductor that allows electron flow without reacting.

[Eric_pierce_3E]

Thank you for this great explanation!