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In this electrochemistry activity, learners will explore two examples of electroplating. In Part 1, zinc from a galvanized nail (an iron nail which has been coated with zinc by dipping it in molten zinc) will be plated onto a copper penny. In Part 2, copper from a penny will be plated onto a nickel.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 1 to 2 hours
- $10 - $20 per group of students
- Ages 14 - 18
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- galvanized nail
- water
- 4 bright and shiny copper pennies
- 3 bright and shiny nickels
- 100 mL graduated cylinder or graduated beaker
- beakers
- stirring rod
- 0.5M hydrochloric acid (31% muriatic acid and water)
- 0.1 M copper sulfate solution (25 grams copper sulfate pentahydrate and water)
- warm water or mortar and pestle (optional)
- 3 plastic cups
- plastic film can with lid
- 2 1-inch brass fasteners
- 1.5 volt C battery
- 2 alligator clip leads
- toothbrush
- powdered cleanser (e.g. Bon Ami)
- small piece of sponge
- 3 paper clips, #1 size (bare metal, not plastic-covered)
- foam double-stick mounting tape, 1/2 in wide
- appropriate eye protection
- paper towels
- newspaper
- utility knife
Subjects
-
Physical Sciences
-
Electricity and Magnetism
- Electric Charges and Currents
- Electric Circuits
-
Energy
- Energy and Power
-
Chemistry
- Chemical Reactions
- Acids and Bases
- Solutions
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
- Atomic Structure
- Elements and Periodic Table
- Elementary Particles and Nuclear Physics
-
Electricity and Magnetism
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
-
The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Electronics
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Rathjen, Don
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Exploratorium, 2004