Electroplating Experiment Journal - BSEE 1A - 10/24/24

Uriel Rich C. Rubi 10/24/24 Engr. Kathleen Cedeño BSEE 1A JOURNAL NO.1 On the 24th of October, our group experimented with...

Uriel Rich C. Rubi 10/24/24 Engr. Kathleen Cedeño BSEE 1A JOURNAL NO.1 On the 24th of October, our group experimented with electroplating. Our group carefully prepared and checked all necessary chemicals and equipment. Along with that, we brought four different types of iron materials and then smoothened them with sandpaper for the experiment to select from. We then chose the blade as it was the best fit for our experiment because of its size and mass. When things were ready, Carlo attached the blade to the alligator clip and placed it on the electrolyte so that we could begin our experiment. We hadn't submerged the copper strip yet, but moments after, we noticed a change of colour on the blade and became puzzled as we hadn't plugged the power supply yet. We pulled the blade out of the solution and noticed that it was plated with copper. We then consulted what happened with our instructor and theorized about what just happened. We gave it another go using a new blade, and our theory worked. We hypothesized due to the smoothening of the blade using the sandpaper, the blade became active and reacted with the solution. This resulted in our new discovery, and we were zealous. We then started our first experiment afterwards, and we observed how aggressive the reaction was as it produced fumes and bubbles. We were unaware that it was aggressive due to a mishap in our experiment. We continued the experiment and noticed that the solution became green, which indicates contamination by iron, and Charles searched online for what it meant. After hearing about it, I wondered if what we had done was right and asked if the anode and cathode were in the proper position. Charles then told me that it was right and that we should follow what's on the diagram. After a while, the reaction was no longer visible, so we ended the experiment and noticed that the copper remained the same weight and the spoon was not copper-plated. It was due to the reverse positioning of the anode and cathode in the system. I was a bit down because of what happened and the time wasted due to a simple error in the system. However, since conducting experiments always involves trial and error, our only option was to try again. We made another attempt at accurately placing the alligator strips on each material, and this time, we were more cautious and concentrated on the experiment to avoid making any further errors. I was a bit down after a while because of my score on the exam, but nonetheless, I remained focused on the experiment. The experiment then resulted in a success, but a bit different from how we calculated it during the group discussion. Even though I was exhausted, I felt a sense of relief when the experiment was finished, and we were all pleased that it went well.