Quantities and Reactions : Electroplating

Determine Faraday's number by electroplating copper onto a spoon.

Lab Summary:

In this activity, students will use a voltage/current sensor to investigate the reduction and oxidation reactions that occur during the electroplating process. Students will use a power supply to pass a current through a solution of copper sulfate. They will measure the amount of charge needed to deposit copper onto an electrode and the mass of copper that is deposited. They will compare their data to predictions based on Faraday’s law of electrolysis.

Download Free Lab  (PDF, 544 KB)

(student version)

Method:

Use a Voltage/Current Sensor to measure the current through an electrochemical cell during an electroplating process.

Here's What You Need:

Probeware

• PASPORT Voltage/Current Sensor (PS-2115)
• Xplorer GLX Graphing Datalogger (PS-2002)
  (or alternate PASPORT interface -- see other options)

Other Materials

• Balance (SE-8756A)
• Small Tripod Base & Rod (SE-9451)
• Buret Clamp (SE-9446)
• Banana Plug Cord-Red (SE-9750)
• Power Supply (18 VDC, 5 A) (SE-9720A)
• Beaker, 600 mL
• Graduated cylinder, 100 mL
• 1.0 M copper(II) sulfate, CuSO₄
• Copper wire, heavy gauge, 10-15 cm
• Metal spoon
• Paper towel

Lab Manual:

This activity is included in Explorations in Chemistry (PS-2808), complete with Teacher Information pages, student instructions and handouts, and sample data for a total of 25 probeware-based labs. For your convenience, we offer bundles which provide the probeware necessary for the activities in the manual. For more information on these resources and bundles, click here.