What does the term 'sweep' refer to in cyclic voltammetry?

In cyclic voltammetry, the term 'sweep' refers to the ramping up and down of potential, which is a fundamental part of the technique. During a cyclic voltammetry experiment, a voltage is applied to an electrochemical cell, and the potential is systematically varied over time. This potential sweep typically involves both forward and reverse scans, allowing for the assessment of redox processes occurring at the electrode surface.

By sweeping the potential, the experimenter can observe how the current changes in response to various electrochemical reactions as the potential moves through a range. This information is critical for determining the rates of electron transfer, understanding reaction mechanisms, and characterizing the electrochemical behavior of the species in the solution. Therefore, the correct interpretation of 'sweep' in this context indicates the cyclic nature of changing the potential during the voltammetric measurement.