15.

4 Industrial Applications of Electrolysis

Electroplating
Electroplating is the process of depositing a layer of
metal on another substance using electrolysis.

Uses of Electroplating
Good decorative finish
Prevent rusting

15.4 Industrial Applications of Electrolysis

1. What are the ions present in the solution?
2. What are the ions that are attracted to the positive electrode and negative
electrode respectively?

plating
metal, e.g.
copper
(anode)

object
(cathode)
aqueous solution of
salt of plating metal,
e.g. CuSO4(aq)
2

15.4 Industrial Applications of Electrolysis

Electroplating Copper Plating
At the anode:
Copper anodes dissolves to
form Cu2+.
Cu(s) Cu2+(aq) + 2e
plating
metal, e.g.
copper
(anode)

object
(cathode)
aqueous solution of
salt of plating metal,
e.g. CuSO4(aq)

At the cathode:
Cu2+ ions are discharged
as copper.
Cu2+(aq) + 2e Cu(s)
The metal object is plated
with a layer of copper.

15.4 Industrial Applications of Electrolysis

Electroplating Silver Plating
At the anode:
Silver anodes dissolves to
form Ag+.
Ag(s) Ag+(aq) + e
At the cathode:
Ag+ ions are discharged as
copper.
Ag+(aq) + e Ag (s)
The metal object is plated
with a layer of silver.