Potentiometric cell

Electrochemical cell used to measure the potential difference between two electrodes.

In general, there is a measuring electrode and a reference electrode.

The potential of the measuring electrode depends on the medium which surrounds it.

The common reference electrodes are the standard hydrogen electrode or, more practically, the calomel electrode.

Reference electrodes are separated from measuring electrodes by an electrolytic junction, e.g. a salt bridge. In this way the conditions characteristic of the reference electrodes are not compromised by the components of the sample being measured.

Table of contents