Define Electoplating? On which electric current is it based? Give two Advantages and disadvantages.
Answers
Answer:
- Electroplating is a general name for processes that create a metal coating on a solid substrate through the reduction of cations of that metal by means of a direct electric current.
- The resulting effects are called chemical effects of electric current
- There are a number of advantages of this process:
Corrosion resistance: a corrosion-prone substance such as iron can be coated with a layer of non-corrosive material, thereby protecting the original material.
Decorative items: shine and luster can be imparted to otherwise dull surfaces. This makes for great decorative items.
Cheaper ornaments: instead of making ornaments out of gold or silver, one can make them using cheaper metals and electroplate the ornaments with gold. This reduces the cost of ornaments greatly.
improving mechanical characteristics: electroplating can also improve the mechanical characteristics of metals.
There are a number of disadvantages of this process as well, such as:
Non-uniform plating: electroplating may or may not be uniform and this may result in a substandard appearance of the plated material.
Cost: the process is costly and time consuming.
Pollution potential: the electroplating solution, after use, needs to be disposed off safely and is a cause of environmental concern.