Electroplating

This is a process in which a thin film of a metal is deposited on any conducting surface, by the method of electrolysis. The substance to be electroplated is cleaned well. It is suspended in the electrolytic cell containing the solution of the salt of the metal to be deposited. A rod of the metal to be deposited forms the anode. The article to be electroplated forms the cathode. If metal is to be gold plated, pure gold is used as the anode and gold cyanide dissolved in excess of potassium cyanide is used as the electrolyte. For silver planting, pure silver is used as the anode and silver cyanide dissolved in excess of potassium cyanide is used as the electrolyte.

When electric current is passed through the electrolyte, the positive metallic ions move towards the cathode and are deposited on the cathode surface. The anode gradually goes into solution and the strength of the solution is maintained. To have a uniform deposit, it current is passed at a low rate. The metals most commonly used for electroplating are gold, silver, copper, nickel and chromium.

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