What does the peak height in a cyclic voltamogram represent?

The peak height in a cyclic voltamogram is directly related to the concentration of the analyte present in the solution. In electrochemical analysis, particularly cyclic voltammetry, the current measured during the redox reaction of the analyte is primarily influenced by its concentration. According to the principles of electrochemical theory, as the concentration of the analyte increases, the number of charge carriers that contribute to the current also increases, leading to a taller peak in the voltammogram.

The relationship between the peak current and the concentration of the analyte is described by the Randles-Sevcik equation, which shows that the peak current is proportional to the concentration when the system is diffusion-controlled. Therefore, a higher peak height indicates a greater concentration of the analyte in the solution being analyzed. This allows for the quantification of the analyte and is a fundamental aspect of using cyclic voltammetry for analytical purposes.

The other options do not directly relate to the peak height in a cyclic voltamogram; for instance, temperature can affect the behavior of the system, but it is not directly indicated by peak height. Similarly, reaction time and volume of the solvent influence experimental conditions but do not provide a direct correlation to peak height.