Electroplating

• Electroplating: The process of coating the surface of a metal (more reactive) with another metal (less reactive) using electrolysis

• Components in electroplating:

  • Anode: pure metal being used to electroplate the object
  • Cathode: object being electroplated
  • Electrolyte: aqueous solution of the soluble salt of pure metal
• Electroplating is used to:

  • Prevent corrosion
  • Enhance appearance
• Conductors: Allow the passage of electrical charge

  • Aluminum [low density, non-corrosive, cheaper than copper]: used in electricity cables with a steel core and plane bodies
  • Copper [malleable]: used in electrical wires
• Insulators: Resist the passage of electrical charge

  • Plastics for casing in wires
  • Ceramics used to support cables in electricity pylons