Abstract: The electromotive force method for determining the mean activity coefficient of electrolyte solutions represents a fundamental experiment in physical chemistry. However, the conventional experimental procedure necessitates continuous hydrogen gas bubbling into the solution to establish a hydrogen electrode, thereby introducing potential safety hazards associated with hydrogen leakage and explosion risks. To mitigate these concerns, this study proposes an innovative modification: the implementation of electrolysis for hydrogen electrode preparation, thereby eliminating the need for continuous hydrogen gas introduction. This improved methodology obviates the requirement for hydrogen cylinders or generators during measurements, effectively eliminating the risks of hydrogen leakage and explosion while ensuring experimental safety. Furthermore, this redesigned experimental approach not only enhances students’ comprehension of theoretical concepts in physical chemistry but also equips them with practical skills in hydrogen electrode preparation through electrolysis.

Key words: Laboratory safety, Physical chemistry, Experiment improvement, Self-made electrode