An Investigation to determine how much copper can be electroplated under a given condition.

The first 200 words of this essay...

An Investigation to determine how much copper can be electroplated under a given condition.

Planning

Aim

The aim of this experiment to be carried out as coursework is to investigate how much copper can be electroplated.

Background Knowledge

Electroplating is the process of coating with metal by means of an electric current. When electroplating takes place it makes the metal stronger, this is due to the electrode being made up of the same metal of what is being deposited on the electrode.

Diagram to show the chemical process of electrolysis

A 6 volt battery supplies electric current, which is controlled by a resister. When the circuit is closed, the cathode bar, which holds the work to be plated, is charged negatively. Some of the electrons from the cathode bar transfer to the positively charged copper ions (Cu2+), setting them free as atoms of copper metal. These copper atoms take their place on the cathode surface, copper plating it. An number of sulphate ions (SO4 2-) are discharged on the copper anodes, thereby completing the electrical circuit. In so doing, they form a new quantity of copper sulphate that dissolves in the solution