Studies of the mechanically generated noise in static mercury drop electrodes

The moving parts needed for the operation of a mechanized static mercury drop electrode were found to generate additional noise which affects measurement of the polarographic current. A Fourier transformation method was employed in analysis of experimental data giving information about the frequency, amplitude and decay characteristics of the noise. The dominant noise frequency was found to depend on the drop size. Drop formation at a potential where no electrolysis takes place combined with a waiting period long enough for the mechanical vibrations to decay improved the precision of the polarographic current measurement.