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GCSE Chemistry · key term
The process of using electrolysis to deposit a thin layer of one metal on the surface of an object.
Used by AQA and Edexcel
Specification 4.10.3.1 · Paper 2
Using electricity to deposit a thin coating of metal on an object.
Revise: Corrosion and PreventionElectroplating deposits a thin layer of another metal onto an object using electricity; the coating can act as a barrier too. If an ordinary barrier is damaged and air and water reach the iron underneath, that exposed iron can rust.
Specification 5.4C · Paper 1
Using a direct electric current to deposit a thin layer of metal onto the surface of an object.
Revise: ElectroplatingElectroplating uses electricity to deposit a thin metal coating on an object. The coating can change the object’s colour or shine, improving its appearance. If it forms a continuous protective layer, it can also make the object beneath more resistant to corrosion by keeping water and oxygen away.
In electroplating, the object being coated is connected to the negative terminal: it is the cathode.
If asked how electroplating prevents corrosion, explain that a continuous coating forms a barrier between the underlying metal and substances in the environment.
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