Electrolytic Cell: Electroplating

Electroplating involves passing an electric current through a solution called an electrolyte. This is done by dipping two terminals called electrodes into the electrolyte and connecting them into a circuit with a battery or other power supply. The electrodes and electrolyte are made from carefully chosen elements or compounds. When the electricity flows through the circuit they make, the electrolyte splits up and some of the metal atoms it contains are deposited in a thin layer on top of one of the electrodes—it becomes electroplated. All kinds of metals can be plated in this way, including gold, silver, tin, zinc, copper, cadmium, chromium, nickel, platinum, and lead. -- Common items that are electroplated 1. Fill in the blanks based on the video. In a electrolytic cell that is used in electroplating, electrical energy is converted into chemical energy. The opposite of a electrolytic cell is an voltaic cell, so the energy conversion is also opposite.Again, since one type of energy is changed into a different type of energy, but not created or destroyed, this follows the Conservation of Energy Law. This key is being electroplated with copper. Use the diagram to answer the questions. 2. What is the purpose of the battery in this electrolytic cell? (aka What does it provide and why is it needed in an electrolytic cell?) 3. Based on the image above, which electrode, A or B, attracts positive copper ions? How do you know? 4. Given the reduction reaction for electroplating the key with copper: Cu2+(aq) + 2 e– → Cu (s) How do you know that this is the reduction half of the reaction based on the format? Exit Tix:Name 2 things that are the same and 2 things that are different between an electrolytic and voltaic cells.