Cell diagrams and solids

[Arman M 1A]

In a cell diagram, when do you include a solid and why do we have to include a solid? Also, Is the solid always going to be Pt(s)?

[Iris Bai 2K]

There always needs to be a conducting solid so that there is a path for the electrons to move across. The solid is only Pt (s) when none of the species in the half reaction are a solid conducting metal.

[Henry Dudley 1G]

So if there is a solid in the reaction then you don't include Pt at the end?

[Timothy_Yueh_4L]

So if there is a solid in the reaction then you don't include Pt at the end?

If the elements undergoing redox reactions are present in solid form (electrodes composed of those elements), then a conducting solid such as platinum is not needed however if if they are not in solid form, rather in a gaseous or aqueous state, the reaction will require a conducting solid.

[Riley Dean 2D]

More often than not the solid used is going to be platinum but you can also use graphite as a conducting solid

[Melissa Bu 1B]

If there is a solid or liquid (like Hg (mercury)), an inert solid like Pt(s) is not needed

[Anmol_cheema_2F]

Usually an inert solid like Platinum is added when a solution does not already have a conducting solid.

[George Ghaly 2L]

The electrons can not be conducted by themselves therefore an inert solid like Platinum could be used to transfer the electrons over to the other side.

[Chloe Likwong 2K]

You would want a metal solid to be the electrode. Pt(s) is inert so it's the usual go-to.

[Jonathan Pai 2I]

You need Pt if there is not a solid electrode present.