Question

Which of the following statements is not correct about an inert electrode in a cell?
A. It does not participate in the cell reaction
B. It provides surface either for oxidation or for reduction reaction
C. It provides surface for conduction of electrons
D. It provides surface for redox reaction

Answer 1

Hint- To solve this question, we use the basic theory related to the inert electrode when placed in the cell. As we know, when an inert electrode is placed in a cell some chemical reaction takes place, which leads to producing electrons or consumed electrons during this process.

Complete step-by-step answer:
This process is mainly used to produce electricity, these days. Since we use an inert electrode here, it is not supposed to change in mass. The purpose of an inert electrode is to facilitate electron flow - either towards (if it is the cathode) or away from (if it is the anode).
A good example of this is the Standard Hydrogen Electrode in which the electrode is a platinum rod dipped in a standard acidic solution. It is arbitrarily assigned a reduction potential of 0 V; one inherent assumption here is that the platinum electrode remains inert. If there were to be a reaction because of the platinum part, then assigning a reduction potential of 0 volts is technically wrong.
But then, over time in real life situations, some “supposedly inert electrodes” do gain or lose mass due to probable quality reasons or non-standard experimental usage conditions.
In general, an Inert electrode doesn’t participate in redox reaction and acts only as a source or sink for electrons. It also gives surface either for oxidation or for reduction reaction. And it has been inert and also, they do not participate in cell reaction.
So, option (D) is an incorrect statement.

Note- Inert electrodes don't take part in or interfere with chemical reaction, as they transfer electrons rather than exchange ions with aqueous solution. For example, Pt is used as an inert electrode. But graphite is widely used as it is cheap. And remember Inert electrodes are always used in electrolysis e.g. NaCl etc.