Final answer:
The false statement about pH determination is that the electrode directly measures the hydrogen ion concentration; it actually measures the potential difference due to hydrogen ion activity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The false statement regarding the accurate determination of pH is e. The electrode directly measures the hydrogen ion concentration of the test solution. A pH electrode, typically a glass electrode, does not measure the hydrogen ion concentration directly; instead, it measures the potential difference created by the relative activity of hydrogen ions between the test solution and a known reference solution.
The glass electrode is sensitive to hydrogen ions and is constructed with a thin glass membrane that selectively allows protons to pass through, creating an electrical potential that can be measured. However, this potential is not a direct measure of the hydrogen ion concentration but rather relates to the activity of the hydrogen ions, which is why calibration with reference standards is essential for accurate pH readings.
The reference electrode is vital to maintain a constant potential so that any changes in the measured potential can be attributed solely to the changes in the hydrogen ion activity of the test solution. This calibration process involves comparison with standards of known pH to configure the pH meter accordingly.