The concept of absolute electrode potential an attempt at a calculation

Summary The problem of the conceptual significance of absolute electrode potential is examined starting from the recent polemic between Bockris1.2 and Gileadi and Stoner3. The views of the above authors on the meaning of the conventional position e0(H+/H2)=0 in terms of ΔSMσ, the actual potential difference at the metal/solution interface, are critically reviewed and shown to be questionable. The problem is reconsidered from a thermodynamic and from a physical point of view. The absolute value of the potential of the standard hydrogen electrode is calculated and discussed. The values of ΔSMσ, which is defined to be not the absolute but the operative electrode potential, are also calculated for alkali metals. Implications with respect to concepts of the theory of metals are also examined in detail.