Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry · Syllabus 0620 · Electrochemistry
Electroplating
What is Electroplating?
The use of electrolysis to coat a metal object with a thin layer of another metal. The object being plated is made the negative cathode, the coating metal is made the positive anode, and the electrolyte is a solution containing ions of the coating metal, which are deposited on the object. It is done to improve the object's appearance or its resistance to corrosion.
This definition is part of the Electrochemistry chapter in Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry.
Examiner tips on Electroplating
- The two purposes, in the syllabus's words. Electroplating can improve a metal object's appearance, and it can improve its resistance to corrosion. A question asking for the reasons wants those two, and either one alone is half an answer.