Science Lab Experiment: Electroplating
Demonstration: Electroplating
Object: To find out what happens when a copper metal strip is connected
to the positive terminal of a dry cell, while a piece
of tin is connected to the negative terminal and a
solution of copper sulfate added.
Materials: copper metal, tin metal, copper sulfate solution CuSO4,
dry cell battery, copper wire, beaker
Diagram:
Method: The materials were set up as shown in the diagram,
making certain that the copper metal was connected
to the positive terminal of the battery.
Observations:After a few minutes, a reddish brown deposit
formed on the surface of the tin.
Conclusions:The deposit was found to be copper. When the
current of electricity passed through the copper
sulfate, the solution broke down to form copper ions
which were drawn to the negative tin.
This process is called "electroplating".