Question

Which of the following options are correct about electroplating?

i. The article to be electroplated is always placed at the anode.

ii. The electrolyte must contain ions of the metal which is to be plated on the article.

iii. A higher current for a shorter time should be used.

iv. A direct current should be used instead of an alternating current.

[1 mark]

• A. (i) and (iii)
• B. (ii) and (iv)
• C. (i) and (iv)
• D. (ii) and (iii)
  

Answer 1

The correct option is B (ii) and (iv)

The given statements can be discussed as follows:

i. The article that needs to be electroplated should be placed at the cathode, and the metal to be electroplated on the article is placed at the anode.

ii. During electroplating, the electrolyte dissociates into ions. Thus, it must contain the ions of the metal which is to be plated on the article present at the cathode.

iii. A low current for a longer time ensures that the plating is smooth, uniform, and long-lasting.

iv. The polarity of the alternating current changes very frequently due to which it will not result in electroplating. This is because the charge on the cathode and anode will keep on changing. On the other hand, a direct current is a constant current, and should be used for uniform electroplating.