(a) Write the half-reaction that occurs at a hydrogen electrode in acidic aqueous solution when it serves as the cathode of a voltaic cell. (b) What is standard about the standard hydrogen electrode?

Verified step by step guidance

1. To write the half-reaction for the hydrogen electrode acting as the cathode in an acidic solution, recognize that reduction occurs at the cathode. In this case, hydrogen ions (H⁺) gain electrons to form hydrogen gas (H₂). The half-reaction is: $2H_{+}+2e\to H_2$.
2. Understand that the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) is a reference electrode with a defined potential of 0 volts under standard conditions. It is used to measure the electrode potentials of other half-cells.
3. The conditions that make the hydrogen electrode 'standard' include: the concentration of H⁺ ions is 1 M, the pressure of H₂ gas is 1 atm, and the temperature is 25°C (298 K).
4. In a voltaic cell, the standard hydrogen electrode can act as either the anode or the cathode, depending on the other half-cell it is paired with. When it acts as the cathode, it undergoes reduction.
5. The SHE is crucial in electrochemistry because it provides a consistent reference point for measuring and comparing the electrode potentials of different half-reactions.

Key Concepts

Half-Reaction

A half-reaction represents either the oxidation or reduction process occurring in an electrochemical cell. In the context of a hydrogen electrode, the half-reaction at the cathode involves the reduction of protons (H⁺) to form hydrogen gas (H₂). This process can be expressed as 2H⁺ + 2e⁻ → H₂, indicating that two electrons are gained by two protons to produce one molecule of hydrogen gas.

Voltaic Cell

A voltaic cell, also known as a galvanic cell, is an electrochemical cell that converts chemical energy into electrical energy through spontaneous redox reactions. In this type of cell, the anode undergoes oxidation while the cathode undergoes reduction. The flow of electrons from the anode to the cathode generates an electric current, which can be harnessed for external use.

Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE)

The Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE) is a reference electrode used in electrochemistry, defined as having a hydrogen ion concentration of 1 M, a pressure of hydrogen gas at 1 atm, and a temperature of 25°C. It serves as the baseline for measuring the standard electrode potentials of other half-reactions. The potential of the SHE is assigned a value of 0 volts, allowing for the comparison of the reactivity of different electrodes.