Background Information Worksheet

Here is what you need to do for the background information section of your project.
1. Decide on what background information an observer of the experiment will need to
know before watching your experiment. This must include:
a. Why you chose this topic
I chose this topic because I had the question “Does copper plating adhere to
other metals? If so, why?” It also seemed like an interesting topic.
b. Any definition of terms
Copper plating is a scientific process in which copper adheres to metals because
of electric attraction. Metals are high-density materials such as tungsten and
titanium on the periodic table.
c. Any history relevant to your topic (may not be possible for your topic, ask Mrs.
Arnao if you are not sure)
Copper plating was invented in 1839 by British inventor John Wright.
d. Descriptions of the materials (especially if you have unusual materials, or a
specific type of material)
I will be using alligator clips, a 9-volt battery, a cup, white vinegar, copper,
various coins (such as pennies, quarters, nickels, dimes, etc.), and a little tinfoil.

2. Begin to list any sources that you used for information. We will be adding to this list
as we conduct research in class and at our library during the coming weeks. Sources
can be books, magazines, websites, people, videos, etc. Be sure to include titles,
authors and web addresses.
www.weareteachers.com
www.sharrettsplating.com
en.wikipedia.org
Jeff Kantor (for materials list)
Self (For why I chose this project.)
Livescience.com
 Background Information
**See instructions on previous page
General background information (why you picked this experiment, definition of
terms, history, description of materials): Use the back or type if more space is
needed.
I picked this experiment because I had the thought “Does copper-plating
adhere to other metals? If so, why?” It also seemed like an interesting
topic to pursue. Copper plating is a process where copper adheres to other
metals because of electric attraction of an copper anode to an metals
cathode. An anode is a negatively charged circuit that releases electrons to
the external circuit and the cathode is the positively charged electrode that
acquires electrons from the external circuit. The copper is only attracted to
the metal cathode in copper-plating when the copper is dissolved in the
acidic substance used, such as in my case, vinegar. Metals are high-density
materials such as tungsten and titanium on the periodic table. I will also
need to know the chemical makeups of the coins I will be using, such as
pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. Pennies are 97.5% zinc and 2.5%
copper. Nickels are 25% nickel and 75% copper. Dimes are 8.33% nickel
and 91.67% copper. Quarters are the same makeup of dimes. A 9-volt
battery has 2 small connectors on either side. One is hexagonal and the
other is circular.
Where did you find your information?

1. www.weareteachers.com
2. www.sharrettsplating.com
3. en.wikipedia.org
(also kiwico.com)