Standard hydrogen electrode [ENDORSED]

[Malia Shitabata 1F]

Why do we compare the electron transfer of all cells to a standard hydrogen electrode as opposed to another element electrode?

[805303639]

Absolute potentials cannot be measured, so scientists need a reference electrode. The selection of hydrogen for this purpose is arbitrary. Early researchers of electrochemistry likely selected hydrogen given the relative ease of obtaining/constructing a hydrogen electrode/solution.

[Chem_Mod]

A common reference is needed.
For the same reasons we use sea level as a common reference point for altitude.

The standard hydrogen electrode uses a simple and common reaction: 2 H⁺(aq) + 2 e− → H₂(g)

[Edmund Zhi 2B]

So then are values of E just relative to the value determined by the half reaction involving hydrogen?