Design an experiment to choose optimum conditions for Electroplating

Authors Avatar

Design an experiment to choose optimum conditions for        Electroplating

Introduction: Electroplating involves the careful control of conditions and of electrolyte. Some of the factors that affect the quality and quantity of the deposit formed in an electroplating cell are observed in this practical.

Aim: The aim of this practical is to design and perform an experiment to determine the best and most favourable conditions for electroplating.

Diagrams:

anode:            Cu (s)                            ------        Cu 2+ (aq)     +    2e-               (oxidation)

cathode:         Cu 2+  (aq)    +2e-        ------        Cu (s)                                        (reduction) 

Join now!

Independent variable: concentration of the copper(II) sulfate solution.

Dependent variable: volume of the electrolyte solution, time, distance between the electrodes and the current.

Method:

1.        Using the scourer, we cleaned the copper strips. Measured and recorded their mass.

2.        We adjusted the current value using the variable resistor.

Placed both copper electrodes into the cell, making sure they were not in contact.

Filled the cell with the copper(II) sulfate solution, and connected the anode to the positive terminal and the cathode to the negative terminal.

5.        The power supply was turned on and the ammeter passed a current ...

This is a preview of the whole essay