Question

A standard hydrogen electrode has a zero potential because:

• A. Hydrogen can be most easily oxidised
• B. Hydrogen has only one electron
• C. The electrode potential is assumed to be zero
• D. Hydrogen is the lightest element

Answer 1

The correct option is C The electrode potential is assumed to be zero

Potential is a relative term i.e. it is always measured with respect to a reference. In electrochemistry, hydrogen is taken to be the reference to measure the potential and hence to form a basis for comparison with all other electrode reactions, hydrogen's standard electrode potential is declared to be zero volts at all temperatures.

Hence, the correct answer is option $\text{C}$.