Why do electrodes need to be cleaned? (1 Viewer)

[Raindrop78]

In galvanic cell prac, why do electrode strips of metal need to be cleaned with steel wood prior to immersion in electrolyte? I know that it rids it of corrosion but why is this necessary? Is it to encourage electron flow?

 

[Robbie M]

Metals react with the air to form metallic oxides which reduce the flow of electrons. So yeah to encourage electron flow