Electroplating is a process that uses electrochemical principles to coat a metal object with a thin layer of another metal. Here’s how it works:
1. Setup
- The object to be plated is connected to the cathode (negative terminal).
- The metal that will coat the object is connected to the anode (positive terminal).
- Both are placed in a solution (electrolyte) containing ions of the plating metal.
2. Electrochemical Reactions
- At the cathode: Metal ions in the solution gain electrons (reduction) and deposit on the object.
- At the anode: Metal atoms lose electrons (oxidation) and go into the solution as ions, keeping the solution concentration steady.
3. Purpose
- Improves appearance (like jewelry).
- Prevents corrosion (like chrome on car parts).
- Reduces friction or wear (like in machinery parts).
In short: Electroplating uses electrochemical principles by making metal ions move from an anode to a cathode and deposit on a surface through a controlled redox reaction.