Electroplating with Copper—Student Laboratory Kit

Product Details

Mimic the everyday process of electroplating with this easy-to-perform lab. Students apply a thin decorative and protective layer of copper onto a metal key, then investigate the mass changes that occur as the two electrodes—the key and the copper electrode—are hooked up to a power supply and ammeter. Students relate the moles of electrons transferred to the moles of copper deposited on the key or lost by the electrode. The charge on the copper ion can then be calculated by applying Faraday’s Law. Pre- and post-lab activities help students relate the non-spontaneous process of electroplating to the Law of Conservation of Matter, oxidation–reduction reactions, anode and cathode, and Faraday’s Law. Reproducible student handout and Teacher Notes include answer keys, sample data and calculations. Kit includes 15 metal keys, 15 copper electrodes and ample chemicals needed to clean and copper plate the keys (or other metal objects).

Complete for 30 students working in pairs. DC power supply and ammeter are required and available separately.