What is one method to reduce IR drops through the electrolyte?

Placing the reference electrode closer to the structure is a method to reduce IR drops through the electrolyte because it minimizes the distance between the reference electrode and the area being measured. This proximity allows for a more accurate potential measurement, as IR drops are primarily influenced by the distance the current travels through the electrolyte. By reducing this distance, the effects of voltage loss due to resistance in the electrolyte can be significantly decreased, leading to more reliable readings of the structure's potential.

Increasing the size of electrodes, using a higher voltage source, or changing the electrolyte solution may have effects on the measurements or the system's operation, but they do not directly address the reduction of IR drops in the same effective manner as adjusting the position of the reference electrode does. Thus, positioning the reference electrode closer is a straightforward solution to achieving improved measurement accuracy and reducing the influence of IR drops.