Answer
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$Nonreactive- metal$: A nonreactive metal is a metal whose standard reduction voltage is large, indicating that the metal will react with few compounds.
It does not react with the cations of other metals. A nonreactive metal is used as electrodes because it will not take part in the reactions in the electrochemical cell that's why these metals are must.
In certain electrochemical cells — especially electrolysis cells or reference electrodes — the electrode material must:
- conduct electricity without interfering chemically
- provide a stable surface for electron transfer
- avoid contaminating the reaction by forming unwanted products
Using a reactive metal like copper can cause problems:
- copper may oxidize or dissolve into the solution, altering the cell chemistry.
- it might participate in side reactions, producing unwanted compounds.
- the electrode could degrade over time, reducing cell efficiency and lifespan.
