5.8 Electroplating

Question 1

What 3 metals are most commonly used in electroplating?

Answer 1

• gold
• silver
• chromium

Question 2

Name 4 reasons for electroplating

Answer 2

• make the object more attractive
• protect a metal from corroding
• increase the hardness of the surface
• reduce costs by using a thin layer of metal instead of the pure metal

Question 3

Why are some knives, forks and spoons silver plated?

Answer 3

To protect the metal from corrosion and reduce the cost

Question 4

Where does the object to that you want electroplating?

Answer 4

At the negative electrode

Question 5

What is the positive electrode made of for electroplating?

Answer 5

The metal you want on the object

Question 6

What is the electrolyte for electroplating?

Answer 6

A solution containing ions of the plating metal

Question 7

What happens at the positive electrode in electroplating?

Answer 7

Atoms of the plating metal lose electrons to become positive metal ions that go into the solution

Question 8

What happens at the negative electrode in electroplating?

Answer 8

The now positive metal ions in the solution gain electrons from the negative electrode so they form metal atoms that are deposited on the object to be plated

Question 9

What is the half equation for nickel plating at the positive electrode?

Answer 9

Ni(s) –> Ni2+(aq) + 2e-

Question 10

What is the half equation for nickel plating at the negative electrode?

Answer 10

(To be plated)

Ni2+(aq) + 2e- –> Ni(s)

Question 11

What is electroplating?

Answer 11

Using electrolysis to put a thin coating of metal onto an object