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  • Essay / Electroplating Experiment

    Table of ContentsObjectivesMaterialsProcedureOverview:In this shop, we will conduct, observe and measure the electroplating process. This process is used to deposit a layer of metal, such as chrome, copper or gold, onto another metal. As a commercial process, electrocoatings are used to improve the appearance, resist corrosion, or improve the hardness of metal surfaces. This experiment describes a method of producing a copper coating on a brass key or other suitable metal object. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get the original essay We will prepare an electrochemical cell using a copper strip as the cathode (positive terminal) and a brass key as the anode (negative terminal ) . The electrodes are immersed in a solution containing acidified copper(II) sulfate. As we apply a potential to the electrodes, we will effectively transfer the Cu atoms from the anode to the surface of the brass key. Some of the purposes for which items are galvanized are: Appearance Protection Special surface properties Technical or mechanical properties. Objectives In this experience, you will: I. Prepare and operate an electrochemical cell to plate copper on a brass surface.II. Measure the amount of copper deposited during the electroplating process.III. Calculate the amount of energy used to complete the electroplating process. Material Electrolyte solution (CuSO4 in H2SO4) Vinegar Vernier current probe Copper strip cm × 10 cm DC voltage supply Brass key Four connecting wires with alligator clips Solid sodium chloride, NaCl Wool d SteelAnalytical balanceTwo 250 ml beakers Bare copper wire, 20–22 gauge distilled waterProcedureObtain and wear protective eyewear.Use steel wool to clean a brass key and a copper strip, which will be the electrodes of the electrochemical cell.Mix 3 g of NaCl with 15 mL of vinegar in a 250 mL beaker. Wash the key and copper strip in this salt/vinegar solution. Rinse the key and copper strip with distilled water and dry each metal part. Use an analytical balance to determine the mass of the key and the mass of the copper strip. Record these two masses in your data table. Fill a 250 ml beaker about 3/4 full with the electrolyte solution. CAUTION: The electrolyte solution for this experiment is prepared in H2SO4 and should be handled with care. Attach a 7cm length of bare copper wire to the brass key to act as a handle. Connect the wire to the alligator clip on the anode, so that the key is completely submerged in the electrolytic solution but the alligator clip is not submerged. Connect the copper strip to the positive wire. Obtain a DC power supply and a Vernier current probe. Use jumper wires, with alligator clips, to connect the DC power supply, current probe and electrodes. See Figure 1 for correct wiring configuration. Place the key and copper strip into the electrolyte solution in the beaker. Make sure the key is completely submerged in the solution and keep the two electrodes as far apart as possible. Turn on the DC power source. Observe the electrolysis. Note the slow deposition of copper on the surface of the key. This should last 30 minutes. When the key is completely electroplated, turn off the DC power source and carefully remove the copper strip and key from the electrolytic solution. Rinse both metals with distilled water. Dry the copper strip and the key very carefully,.