Question

What is inert electrode

Answer 1

Dear student,
Inert electrodes are those do not participate in the reactions. There is function is just to provide an interface for reaction. You must be familiar with galvanic cell. In this cell both zinc and copper electodes participate in the reactions and electrons are taken or given to this electrodes. However an inert electrode do not participate in the reactions (hence the name inert). The common example is the Platinum electrode in standard hydrogen electrode(SHE).
Here, the Platinum electrode gives only a surface for reaction of hydrogen and do not directly take part in the reaction. It do not absorbs or rejects electrons. Highly unreactive and high melting elements like Platinum, gold, tungsten etc. Are used as inert electrodes.
Thank you.