In the context of electrochemical cells, what does a pH indicator monitor?

In the context of electrochemical cells, what does a pH indicator monitor?

• A. The temperature of the reaction
• B. The potential difference across electrodes
• C. The acidity or basicity of the solution
• D. The electrical conductivity of the electrolyte

Answer: (C)

A pH indicator is a chemical compound that changes color in response to changes in pH, reflecting the acidity or basicity of a solution. In electrochemical cells, the pH level is crucial because it can influence the activity of the electrodes and the overall reaction kinetics. When the pH changes, it indicates the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in the solution, which can affect the electrochemical reactions taking place within the cell. By using a pH indicator, one can monitor these changes in acidity or basicity, providing valuable information about the reaction environment and helping to optimize conditions for the electrochemical process. The other options involve parameters that are not directly measured by a pH indicator. Temperature affects reaction kinetics but is not related to pH. The potential difference across electrodes is a fundamental property of electrochemical cells but is not indicated by a pH indicator, as it measures voltage rather than acidity. Likewise, while electrical conductivity is important for electrolyte behavior, it does not specifically relate to the pH of the solution, as conductivity can result from ions unrelated to hydrogen ion concentration.

A pH indicator is a chemical compound that changes color in response to changes in pH, reflecting the acidity or basicity of a solution. In electrochemical cells, the pH level is crucial because it can influence the activity of the electrodes and the overall reaction kinetics. When the pH changes, it indicates the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in the solution, which can affect the electrochemical reactions taking place within the cell. By using a pH indicator, one can monitor these changes in acidity or basicity, providing valuable information about the reaction environment and helping to optimize conditions for the electrochemical process.

The other options involve parameters that are not directly measured by a pH indicator. Temperature affects reaction kinetics but is not related to pH. The potential difference across electrodes is a fundamental property of electrochemical cells but is not indicated by a pH indicator, as it measures voltage rather than acidity. Likewise, while electrical conductivity is important for electrolyte behavior, it does not specifically relate to the pH of the solution, as conductivity can result from ions unrelated to hydrogen ion concentration.