Question

The standard reduction potential of hydrogen is zero because:
A) It is assumed
B) Hydrogen is easiest to oxidise
C) Hydrogen has single electron
D) Hydrogen is electronegative

Answer 1

The standard reduction potential of a chemical is the reduction potential of a chemical or molecule under precise standard conditions to lose its electrons or to gain electrons. It is useful in determining the directionality of a chemical reaction.

Complete answer:

We know that the potential of a given chemical can be considered to be negative if the chemical loses its electrons and the potential of a given chemical can be considered to be positive if the chemical accepts its electrons.
Absolute electrode potential of an electrode cannot be determined without forming a complete cell. Therefore, hydrogen is selected as a standard reference electrode, and describes its electrode potential as zero.
Coming to given options, option B, Hydrogen is easiest to oxidise, it is not true.
Coming to option C, Hydrogen has a single electron. Because of a single electron nobody will choose hydrogen as a standard electron.
Coming to option D, Hydrogen is electronegative. It is also wrong, because electronegativity of hydrogen is very less.
Coming to option A, It is assumed. Yes we assumed that the standard reduction potential of hydrogen electrode is zero.

So, the correct option is A.

Note: Don’t be confused with the terms reduction potential and oxidation potential.
Reduction potential: It is defined as the tendency of a chemical to gain electrons and it will be reduced.
Oxidation potential: It is defined as the tendency of a chemical to lose electrons and it will be oxidised.