4th Year Lineman Apprentice Practice Exam

The potential difference between two dissimilar metals in an electrolyte is primarily dependent on the kinds of metal involved. Different metals have different electrochemical properties, which contribute to their electrode potentials in a galvanic cell or electrochemical reaction. This means that each metal will have a distinct tendency to either gain or lose electrons when placed in an electrolyte, creating a voltage difference between them.

The specific electrochemical series ranks materials based on their ability to donate or accept electrons, giving rise to the potential difference observed when two metals are used in conjunction in an electrolyte. The inherent properties of the metals themselves, such as their electron affinity and reactivity, determine how they interact with the electrolyte and with each other.

While factors such as temperature can influence reactions in the electrolyte, and surface area might affect the rate of the reaction or the current flow, the core potential difference owed to the dissimilar metals is fundamentally based on the kinds of metals used. This relationship is intrinsic to the properties of the materials, making it the primary influencing factor for potential difference in electrochemical settings.