A pH electrode is a sensor that measures the hydrogen ion concentration (
H+cap H raised to the positive power
𝐻+
) in a solution, or its pH. pH electrodes are used in many industries, including water treatment, food, pharmaceuticals, and environmental monitorinHow it works
A pH electrode is made of glass that can sense
H+cap H raised to the positive power
𝐻+
concentration.
The electrode is connected to a pH meter, which displays the pH value on a digital screen.
The electrode measures the potential difference between the glass surface and the solution.
The potential difference changes based on the concentration of
H+cap H raised to the positive power
𝐻+
ions.
The pH meter converts the potential difference into a pH value.
What it's made of
A pH electrode is made of a special glass that contains metal oxides like
SiOcap S i cap O
𝑆𝑖𝑂
,
NaOcap N a cap O
𝑁𝑎𝑂
, and
CaOcap C a cap O
𝐶𝑎𝑂
.
The electrode may also contain a reference electrode and an active electrode.
What it's used for
pH electrodes are used in laboratories, manufacturing, and environmental monitoring.
They are used to measure pH in aqueous media, like water.