C3.4.3 - Electroplating Flashcards
What is electroplating?
A type of electrolysis that uses non-inert electrodes
What happens to the cathode in electroplating?
It is coated by the metal of the anode
What does the anode do in electroplating?
It coats the cathode
What is the electrolyte in the electroplating?
A solution containing ions of the coating metal
What is electroplating used for?
Coating products with expensive metals to make them look better instead of spending a lot of money
Describe the process of electroplating.
The ions of the cathode are discharged from electrolysis. The metal ions on the anode replace them on the surface of the cathode, creating a coating
Describe how copper is purified using electrolysis
Two copper cathode electrodes are used. The cathode is pure and the anode is impure. The copper ions leave the anode and go onto the cathode, leaving the impurities behind on the anode, turning it pure.
