Question

Explain electroplating with a suitable example.

Answer 1

The process of obtaining a coating of one metal over another metal using electrolysis is known as electroplating. This thin coating is helpful for improving the appearance of the metal and also in preventing metallic corrosion. The metal to be plated is connected to the positive terminal of the battery and the article to be coated is connected to the negative terminal of the battery. A salt solution of the metal to be coated is taken as the electrolyte.
Example: electroplating copper on a metallic spoon.

In the electroplating of copper on a metallic spoon, spoon is connected to the negative terminal of the battery and copper is connected to the positive terminal of the battery. When electricity is passed through${\mathrm{Cu}}^{2+}$ ions of its solution, they are attracted to the negative terminal of the battery(iron). Copper ions undergo reduction at the cathode. ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{2+}+2e\to \mathrm{Cu}$. In this way, ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{2+}$ ions are deposited on the metallic spoon as copper atoms. At the anode, the copper plate undergoes oxidation and releases electrons which go to the cathode where ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{2+}$ ions accept the electrons. This is how copper can be deposited on the metallic spoon. Some other uses of electroplating are gold plated jewellery, silver plated utensils etc.