A ground wire

There was an argument about the ground wire used in electrophysiological recordings.
Of course, the surface area of the ground wire should be as large as possible, because 1) it will minimize the junctional resistance between the electrode and the saline, and 2) it will last longer.

The ground wire works as a current sink. It sucks up all current you apply through the microelectrodes, including those generated by zapping and by the capacitance compensation. A thicker wire should last longer . The ground becomes more stable with increased surface area because lower current density on surface would cause less voltage drop.

The AgC2 layer is very thin on the purchased silver pellets. It will go away soon after a heavy usage in current- and voltage-clamping. One has to chloride it frequently. However, if the AgCl2 layer became too thick, then it often often flakes off by a shock, or accidentally touching it with forceps. This is why I don't like those purchased pellets. Thier prices are ridiculous ly high. That's the other reason why I hate it.