close
test_template

Electro Plating Experiment

download print

About this sample

About this sample

close

Words: 646 |

Page: 1|

4 min read

Published: Nov 19, 2018

Words: 646|Page: 1|4 min read

Published: Nov 19, 2018

Table of contents

  1. Objectives
  2. Materials
  3. Procedure

Overview:

In this shop, we will conduct, observe, and measure the process of electroplating. This process is used to deposit a layer of metal, such as chromium, copper, or gold, onto another metal. As a commercial process, electroplated coatings are used to improve appearance, resist corrosion, or improve hardness of metallic surfaces. This experiment describes one method of producing a copper coating on a brass key or other suitable metallic object.

'Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned'?

We will prepare an electrochemical cell by using a copper strip as the cathode (positive terminal) and a brass key as the anode (negative terminal). The electrodes are immersed in a solution containing acidified copper (II) sulfate. As we apply a potential to the electrodes, we will be effectively transferring Cu atoms from the anode to the surface of the brass key

Some of the purposes for which articles are electroplated are:

  • Appearance
  • Protection
  • Special surface properties
  • Engineering or mechanical properties.

Objectives

In this experiment, you will:

I. Prepare and operate an electrochemical cell to plate copper onto a brass surface.

II. Measure the amount of copper that was deposited in the electroplating process.

III. Calculate the amount of energy used to complete the electroplating process.

Materials

  1. electrolyte solution (CuSO4 in H2SO4)
  2. vinegar
  3. Vernier Current Probe
  4. cm × 10 cm copper strip
  5. volt DC power supply
  6. brass key
  7. four connecting wires with alligator clips
  8. solid sodium chloride, NaCl
  9. steel wool
  10. analytical balance
  11. two 250 mL beakers
  12. bare copper wire, 20–22 gauge
  13. distilled water

Procedure

Obtain and wear goggles.

Use steel wool to clean a brass key and a strip of copper, which will be the electrodes of the electrochemical cell.

Mix 3 g of NaCl with 15 mL of vinegar in a 250 mL beaker. Wash the key and the copper strip in this salt/vinegar solution. Rinse the key and copper strip with distilled water and dry each metal piece.

Use an analytical balance to determine the mass of the key and the mass of the copper strip. Record these two masses in your data table.

Fill a 250 mL beaker about 3/4 full with the electrolyte solution. CAUTION: The electrolyte solution in this experiment is prepared in H2SO4 and should be handled with care.

Attach a 7 cm length of bare copper wire to the brass key to act as a handle. Connect the wire to the alligator clip for the anode, so that the key will be completely immersed in the electrolyte solution but the alligator clip will not be immersed. Connect the copper strip to the positive lead.

Obtain a DC power supply and a Vernier Current Probe. Use connecting wires, with alligator clips, to connect the DC power supply, Current Probe, and the electrodes. See Figure 1 for the proper setup of the wiring.

Place the key and the copper strip into the electrolyte solution in the beaker. Make sure that the key is completely immersed in the solution, and keep the two electrodes as far apart as possible.

Turn on the DC power source.

Observe the electrolysis. Note the slow deposition of copper on the surface of the key. This should run for 30 minutes.

When the key is completely electroplated, turn off the DC power source and carefully remove the copper strip and key from the electrolyte solution. Rinse the two metals with distilled water. Dry the copper strip and key very carefully, so as not to remove copper.

Discard the electrolyte solution and take care of the electrochemical cell as directed.

What Happened:

Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.

The copper sulfate solution is an electrolyte that conducts electricity from one electrode to the other. When the current is flowing, oxidation (loss of electrons) happens at the copper anode, adding copper ions to the solution. Those ions travel on the electric current to the cathode, where reduction (gain of electrons) happens, plating the copper ions onto the key. There were already copper ions present in the copper sulfate solution before you started, but the oxidation reaction at the anode kept replacing them in the solution as they were plated onto the key, keeping the reaction going.

Image of Alex Wood
This essay was reviewed by
Alex Wood

Cite this Essay

Electro Plating Experiment. (2018, November 19). GradesFixer. Retrieved March 28, 2024, from https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/electro-plating-experiment/
“Electro Plating Experiment.” GradesFixer, 19 Nov. 2018, gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/electro-plating-experiment/
Electro Plating Experiment. [online]. Available at: <https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/electro-plating-experiment/> [Accessed 28 Mar. 2024].
Electro Plating Experiment [Internet]. GradesFixer. 2018 Nov 19 [cited 2024 Mar 28]. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/electro-plating-experiment/
copy
Keep in mind: This sample was shared by another student.
  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours
Write my essay

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

close

Where do you want us to send this sample?

    By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

    close

    Be careful. This essay is not unique

    This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

    Download this Sample

    Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

    close

    Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

    close

    Thanks!

    Please check your inbox.

    We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

    clock-banner-side

    Get Your
    Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

    exit-popup-close
    We can help you get a better grade and deliver your task on time!
    • Instructions Followed To The Letter
    • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
    • Unique And Plagiarism Free
    Order your paper now