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An application of electrochemistry in which a cheap metal is coated with a less reactive and most often more expensive metal is?
Anonymous
Jan 6
An application of electrochemistry in which a cheap metal is coated with a less reactive and most often more expensive metal is?
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Jan 6
One application of electrochemistry where a cheap metal is coated with a less reactive and more expensive metal is electroplating. Electroplating is a process that involves depositing a layer of metal onto the surface of an object using an electrochemical cell.
In this process, the object to be plated (often made of a cheaper metal) is made the cathode, while the metal to be plated (more expensive and less reactive) is made the anode. Both the cathode and anode are immersed in an electrolyte solution containing metal ions of the desired plating metal. When an electric current is passed through the cell, metal cations from the electrolyte are reduced at the cathode and deposited onto the object's surface, forming a thin, uniform layer of the desired metal.
This electroplating process is commonly used in various industries and applications, such as:
1. Decorative purposes: Electroplating is extensively used to enhance the appearance of objects by providing a shiny, corrosion-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing metal coating. For example, jewelry, silverware, and decorative items are often electroplated with precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum.
2. Corrosion protection: Electroplating can be used to provide a protective coating on objects made of cheaper, more reactive metals, preventing them from corroding. For instance, steel objects can be electroplated with zinc (galvanizing) or chromium to protect them from rusting.
3. Electrical conductivity: Electroplating is employed to improve the electrical conductivity of objects. For example, copper is often electroplated onto electrical connectors or printed circuit boards to enhance their conductivity.
Overall, electroplating is a cost-effective way to utilize a cheaper metal as a base material while achieving the desired properties and appearance of a more expensive and less reactive metal.
In this process, the object to be plated (often made of a cheaper metal) is made the cathode, while the metal to be plated (more expensive and less reactive) is made the anode. Both the cathode and anode are immersed in an electrolyte solution containing metal ions of the desired plating metal. When an electric current is passed through the cell, metal cations from the electrolyte are reduced at the cathode and deposited onto the object's surface, forming a thin, uniform layer of the desired metal.
This electroplating process is commonly used in various industries and applications, such as:
1. Decorative purposes: Electroplating is extensively used to enhance the appearance of objects by providing a shiny, corrosion-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing metal coating. For example, jewelry, silverware, and decorative items are often electroplated with precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum.
2. Corrosion protection: Electroplating can be used to provide a protective coating on objects made of cheaper, more reactive metals, preventing them from corroding. For instance, steel objects can be electroplated with zinc (galvanizing) or chromium to protect them from rusting.
3. Electrical conductivity: Electroplating is employed to improve the electrical conductivity of objects. For example, copper is often electroplated onto electrical connectors or printed circuit boards to enhance their conductivity.
Overall, electroplating is a cost-effective way to utilize a cheaper metal as a base material while achieving the desired properties and appearance of a more expensive and less reactive metal.
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