The figure below shows a cell in which copper metal is to be plated onto a second metal. I    In the former the substrate is given an electrically conducting coating and placed in a liquid solution (electrolyte) containing metal ions, such as gold, copper, or nickel. Learn more. Electroplating is a process that uses electric current to reduce dissolved metal ions by the use of electrolysis, to obtain the dissolved metal ions at the other electrode, mostly in the form of a uniform … Electroplating. Electroplating definition at Dictionary.com, a free online dictionary with pronunciation, synonyms and translation. Electrodes Electrodes of the First Kind . Settings In the scientific study of chemistry, the process of electrolysis involves using direct electric current to prompt a chemical reaction which otherwise would be non-spontaneous. An alkaline detergent is used to clean the surface to ensure the zinc electroplating is of good quality, and the plating remains intact for a long period of time. During the process, the surface to be covered acts as a cathode in an electrolytic cell, and the metal that is to cover it acts as an anode. 2. The object is first cleaned to remove any lingering dirt, dust or debris. Cleaning of the substrate is done in order to remove any dirt, rust, oil, etc., from the surface. Electroplating is usually used to cover a less expensive metal with a more expensive metal, or to cover a corrosive metal with a less corrosive or noncorrosive metal. What is Electroplating? This part acts as the negatively charged electrode in the circuit. Hydrogen ions (H+) are reduced to hydrogen gas by the incoming electrons from the cathode. The current is provided by an external power supply. Electroless plating does not require electricity; however, a catalyst is required for deposition. Here also, an electrochemical cell, which is composed of two electrodes immersed in the same electrolyte, is used. 3. The electricity reduces the dissolved metal cations. Jewelry and silverware can be silver- or gold-plated, while zinc is often used to coat iron to protect against rust. 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