Electricity and Electroplating

Electroplating

• Electroplating is a process that involves depositing a thin layer of a material, often a metal, onto the surface of another material using an electric current.

The Scientist's Discovery

• A scientist discovered that a copper plate placed in a potato can generate electricity, which led to the concept of electroplating.

Electroplating Process

• Dilute sulphuric acid is added to copper sulphate solution in electroplating to increase the conductivity of the solution.

Limitations of Electroplating

• A layer of gold coating can wear off ornaments with repeated use due to abrasion or corrosion.
• If a brand new bicycle's shiny coating is accidentally scratched, the underlying metal can corrode.

Experiment 14.7

• Copper plates are cleaned with sandpaper in Activity 14.7 to remove any impurities or oxidation that may affect the electroplating process.
• The battery in Activity 14.7 provides the electric current necessary for the electroplating process to occur.

Electroplating in Real Life

• Electroplating is often used to add a thin layer of gold to women's ornaments to give them a luxurious appearance.
• Electroplating can be used to extend the life of ornaments and other items by protecting them from corrosion.

Scientific Discovery

• The scientist's discovery in relation to potatoes and electricity led to the concept of electroplating, which has numerous practical applications.
• Sometimes, scientific discoveries can occur unintentionally, as scientists may be looking for one thing but discover something else, as seen in the scientist's discovery with the potato.