Why are carbon, platinum, and gold inert in electrolysis?

AI Thread Summary
Carbon, platinum, and gold are used as electrodes in electrolysis due to their resistance to reaction with electrolytes, making them effectively inert in this context. While they do not meet the duplet or octet configurations associated with noble gases, their chemical stability and resistance to corrosion are key reasons for their use. The term "inert" may be misleading; "resistant" more accurately describes their behavior. The Galvanic Series helps explain their placement, with carbon being positioned first due to its high resistance to corrosion. Understanding these concepts clarifies why these materials are preferred in electrolysis applications.
kang_an1983
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Homework Statement



Why are carbon, platinum and gold inert?

Homework Equations



Duplet or Octet configuration

The Attempt at a Solution


We use inert elements such as carbon, platinum and gold as the electrodes to prevent the electrodes react with the electrolyte. As far as I know the inert elements are noble gases only that satisfy the duplet (He element) or octet configuration.
Since carbon, platinum and gold do not satisfy the duplet or octet configuration, why are they inert?
 
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"inert" is a bit of an exaggeration. "Resistant" is a better term.

You should review http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noble_metals"
 
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Thank you for your respond.
I have already read about noble metal and I am still confused..hehehe...Why are gold and platinum resistant to corrosion? I have already read about Galvanic Series too. What is the basic to arrange the Galvanic Series? Why is Carbon placed on the first position in Galvanic Series?
 
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