Reference Electrode
A half-cell with a stable, known and reproducible potential, used as a fixed point against which other potentials are measured.
Unit
V
In depth
A good reference electrode maintains its potential regardless of the solution it is placed in and is unaffected by small currents. Practical references are secondary standards, calibrated in turn against the standard hydrogen electrode.
Examples in the real world
The saturated calomel electrode at +0.242 V and the silver–silver chloride electrode at +0.197 V.