inert metals

[Christine Chen 1H]

What is the significance of the placement of inert metallic components such as Pt?

[Nathaniel 2E]

Inert electrodes, like the platinum electrode, do not participate in the oxidation-reduction reaction and are present so that current can flow through the cell. Platinum or gold generally make good inert electrodes because they are chemically unreactive. It is necessary to use an inert electrode, such as platinum, when there is no metal present to conduct the electrons from the anode to the cathode.

[Laura Gong 3H]

Platinum won't react in the redox reaction (and affect the voltage reading) but it can still conduct electricity (the flow of electrons from the anode to the cathode) which can helpful when your reaction involves gases or aqueous solutions.