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Question
Describe what happens to the iron object and the copper rod.
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Solution
The copper anode continuously dissolves as ions in solution and is replaced periodically. The electrolyte dissociates into Cu2+ ions, which migrate towards the iron object taken as the cathode and are deposited as neutral copper atoms on the cathode.
Electrolyte: Aqueous solution of nickel sulphate
Dissociation: \[\ce{CuSO4 ⇌ Cu^2^+ + SO^2^-4}\]
\[\ce{H2O ⇌ H^+ + OH^-}\]
Electrodes:
- Cathode: Article to be electroplated
- Anode: Block of pure copper
Electrode reactions:
- Reaction at cathode: \[\ce{Cu^{2+} + 2e^- -> Cu}\] (deposited)
- Reaction at anode: \[\ce{Cu - 2e^- -> Cu^{2+}}\]
RELATED QUESTIONS
Name the metallic ions that should be present in the electrolyte when an article made of copper is to be electroplated with silver.
Copy and complete the following table:
| Anode | Electrolyte | |
| Purification of copper |
Give one word or phrase for the following:
Electrolytic deposition of a superior metal on a baser metal.
An electrolytic cell is set up using two platinum electrodes and an aqueous solution of copper (II) sulphate,
(a)draw a labelled diagram of the electrolytic cell,
(b)Name the ions present in the cell,
(c)Name the ions migrating towards the anode,
(d)Name the ions migrating towards the cathode,
(e)Name the ions which will not be discharged at electrodes during electrolysis,
(f)Write the reaction at the cathode,
(g)Write the reaction at the anode,
(h)Name the spectator ion in the solution.
Give reason for the following:
The blue colour of aqueous copper sulphate fades when it is electrolysed using platinum electrodes.
The following question relate to the electroplating of an article with silver.
Name the electrode formed by the article which is to be plated.
The following question relate to the electroplating of an article with silver.
What should be the nature of the anode?
The following questions are about electroplating of copper wire with silver.
(a) What ions must be present in the electrolyte?
(b) Of what substance must the anode be made up of?
(c) What will the cathode be made up of?
(d) Write the equation for the reaction which takes place at the cathode.
Which solution is preferred as electrolyte, CuSO4 or FeSO4?
Electroplating steel objects with silver involves a three-step process.
Step 1: A coating of copper is applied to the object.
Step 2: A coating of nickel is applied to the object.
Step 3: The coating of silver is applied to the object.
-
- A diagram of the apparatus used for step 1 is shown
- The chemical process taking place on the surface of the object is \[\ce{Cu^2+(aq) + 2e- ->Cu(s)}\]
What is the observation seen on the surface of the object? - Explain why the concentration of copper ions in the electrolyte remains constant throughout step 1.
- The chemical process taking place on the surface of the object is \[\ce{Cu^2+(aq) + 2e- ->Cu(s)}\]
- A diagram of the apparatus used for step 1 is shown
- Give two changes which would be needed in order to coat nickel on to the object in step 2.
- Write down the reaction taking place at the positive electrode during step 3.
