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The key to plating metal is electrochemistry. Plating is electrodeposition. Connect the negative lead of a DC supply to the part to be plated, and connect the positive lead to an electrode in a tank of the plating solution. Stick your part in, turn on the juice, and wait for your results. The plating solution is basically a metal salt, and the metal in the metal salt is the one you're going to be plating onto your part. Yes, the part has to be super clean and free of any contaminants, but you knew that. Let's look at an example. Copper sulfate, which has CuSO4 as it's chemical formula, is in solution in the tank. The copper sulfate separates into Cu++ and SO4-- ions, which float around in solution. Your part is connected to the negative electrode. The power supply gives electrons to the copper ions that touch the part, the Cu++ ions we mentioned, and they become electrodeposited on the part as copper atoms. There are a number of different chemical compounds that can be used in electroplating. Our example was a sulfate. There are arsenides, carbonates and other chemical compounds available for use in electroplating that have the desired metal in them. Whether it's chromium, nickel, silver, gold or just about any other metal you can think of, you can plate it. Note that some precious metals are plated on with a sponge-tipped wand that is connected to a wire and then dipped in the electroplating solution. Gold is frequently plated on an object in this way because of the high cost of filling a tank with a solution of a gold salt. Wikipedia has more information, and a link is provided.

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What chemical process is used for obtaining a metal from its oxide?

The chemical process used for obtaining a metal from its oxide is reduction. This process involves the removal of oxygen from the metal oxide, typically by using a reducing agent such as carbon or hydrogen, to yield the pure metal.


What does plate?

The primary meaning is as a noun, "a flat dish used for serving or eating from." Other noun meanings include:A dental appliance; a dental plate.One of the large portions of the earth's crust; a tectonic plateAn object made of metal and covered with a layer of a precious metal; gold plate or silver plateThe target base in the game of Baseball; home plateA flat piece of metal used surgically or in construction; "He has a plate in his head."Verb meanings include:To arrange food on a plate in restaurant slangTo cover a metal object with a layer of a precious metal.


What is phosphate conditioning?

Phosphate conditioning is a method used to improve the adhesion of coatings or finishes to metal surfaces by applying a phosphate solution. The process involves creating a phosphate layer on the metal surface, which enhances the bonding capability of the coating material and improves corrosion resistance. This pretreatment process is commonly used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and metal fabrication.


How is metal produced from ore?

Metal is produced from ore through a process called smelting, where the ore is heated in a furnace with a reducing agent such as carbon to extract the metal. The metal is separated from the impurities in the ore and then further processed to obtain the desired purity and form. This process varies depending on the type of metal and ore being used.


Is carbon often used to reduce metal oxides to the metal?

Yes, carbon is commonly used as a reducing agent to convert metal oxides to the elemental metal through a process called smelting. This is because carbon has a higher affinity for oxygen than most metals, allowing it to strip oxygen from the metal oxide to produce carbon dioxide and leave behind the metal in its elemental form.

Related Questions

What was the first screened photosensitive metal plate?

The first screened photosensitive metal plate was the heliograph, invented by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in 1826. This process used bitumen of Judea on a metal plate that hardened when exposed to light, creating the first permanent photograph.


What substance is commonly used to remove rust from metal?

The substance commonly used to remove rust from metal is called vinegar.


What does inlaid silver plate mean?

Inlaid silver has two definitions. It is can be used to refer to a metal that is coated with silver. It can also mean a piece of silver that is embedded in another substance.


Which substance can be used to conduct electrical in a circuit?

Metal


Can you plate aluminum with a different metal to enhance its properties or appearance?

Yes, aluminum can be plated with a different metal to enhance its properties or appearance. This process is known as metal plating and is commonly used to improve the corrosion resistance, conductivity, or aesthetics of aluminum surfaces.


What is the purification yield of the process being used for this particular substance?

The purification yield of the process for this substance refers to the amount of pure substance obtained after purification compared to the initial amount used. It is a measure of the efficiency of the purification process.


What is the meaning of plate assay?

plate assay is the process of observation of colonial physiology and morphology of bacterial cell on agar plate. It helps in differentiation of different species of microbes in many process as in identification of enzyme producing or antibiotic producing organism


What does a metal plate in the skull do?

A metal plate in the skull is often used to support and protect the brain after a traumatic injury or surgery. It can help stabilize the skull and prevent further damage. Additionally, it can promote healing and allow for proper recovery.


What is substance obtained by or used in a chemical process?

Chemical


What was the substance used to stuff the Egyptians nostrils during the mummification process?

The substance was bee's wax.


Why is the metal plate coated with selenium in a photocopier?

First a special selenium coated, flat metal plate is positively charged. Light stones through a lens then projects an image of the page to be copied onto the charged plate. Whenever the light falls on the selenium plate the plate becomes a conductor and the positive charge is conducted away from the selenium by the metal plate.


If a person had a metal plate in their head would a magnet stick to it?

It depends on the composition of the metal plate. Magnetic materials like iron or cobalt would make the metal plate magnetic and attract a magnet. However, non-magnetic metals like titanium or stainless steel would not attract a magnet.