In this electrochemical cell, at the anode oxygen evolution occurs from water oxidation. Using Nernst equation for the O₂/H₂O couple: Eanode=E°O2/H2O−40.059log[H+]41=1.23−0.059×pH
At the cathode: Ecathode=0.994 V (standard potential for M²⁺/M reduction)
For oxygen to start evolving, the cell potential becomes zero: Ecell=Ecathode−Eanode=0
0.994=1.23−0.059×pH
0.059×pH=0.236
pH=4.0