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

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Carbon, platinum, and gold are classified as inert in electrolysis due to their resistance to reaction with electrolytes, primarily because they do not readily participate in oxidation-reduction reactions. While these materials do not satisfy the duplet or octet configuration, they exhibit properties that prevent corrosion and degradation, making them suitable for use as electrodes. The term "inert" is more accurately described as "resistant," reflecting their stability in electrochemical environments. Understanding the Galvanic Series further clarifies their positioning and behavior in electrochemical reactions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrolysis and electrode functions
  • Familiarity with the concepts of duplet and octet configurations
  • Knowledge of noble metals and their properties
  • Basic comprehension of the Galvanic Series
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of noble metals and their applications in electrochemistry
  • Study the Galvanic Series and its implications for corrosion resistance
  • Explore the electrochemical behavior of carbon in various environments
  • Learn about the mechanisms of oxidation-reduction reactions in electrolysis
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, electrochemists, materials scientists, and anyone interested in the properties of noble metals and their applications in electrolysis.

kang_an1983
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
"inert" is a bit of an exaggeration. "Resistant" is a better term.

You should review http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noble_metals"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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?
 

Similar threads

Replies
19
Views
7K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
15K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
29K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
7K