Plating Eyeglasses: How Long for 0.5g Gold/Copper?

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In summary, the process of plating involves placing a bar of gold or copper in an acidic solution, attaching it to the item to be plated with a battery, and applying a voltage to create an electrolytic cell. The reduction potentials for gold, copper, and aluminum are 1.5V, 0.34V, and 1.66V respectively. To deposit 0.5g of gold on glasses made of aluminum, the plating process should be performed for approximately 73 seconds. If the glasses are plated with copper instead of gold, the reaction would require a lower voltage and proceed either at the same speed or more quickly, depending on the voltage applied. The amount of plating also depends on the applied voltage
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get_physical
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"bar of gold or copper placed in acidic solution, attached via battery to item to be plated. Eyeglasses plated placed in solution, voltage applied to create electrolytic cell, which plates material."
1. Total amount of gold to deposit on glasses made of aluminum = 0.5g. How long should the plating process be performed to deposit this amount of gold?
2. If the glasses are plated with copper instead of gold...
A) Reaction require lower V, proceed at same speed for equal current
B) Reaction require lower V, but proceed more quickly
C) Reaction require same voltage but proceed slowly for equal current

Reduction potentials:
Au3+ + 3e --> Au 1.5V
Cu2+ + 2e --> Cu 0.34V
Al3+ + 3e --> Al 1.66V

Attempts:
1. 0.5g x (1mol/197gAu) x (3e-/1mole) x (96487C/mole) x 1s/C = ~730s
However, answer is 73s because the last term they did is 1s/10C. How come?

2. I was thinking that the reaction would require a higher voltage since the difference between the reduction potential of Al and Cu is greater than the difference between Al and Au.

Thank you.
 
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  • #2
What is the applied voltage? and that should explain the /[C] question
 
  • #3
The question actually doesn't mention anything about the applied voltage... at least I don't see it.
 
  • #4
It only says "A voltage is applied to create an electrolytic cell, which plates the material onto the eyeglass frames."
 
  • #5
The amount of plating depends on how much current is flowing which depends on the applied voltage(source). You need more information.
 

1. How much gold or copper is needed for plating eyeglasses?

The recommended amount for plating eyeglasses is 0.5g of gold or copper. This is a standard amount that is commonly used in the industry.

2. How long will it take to plate eyeglasses with 0.5g of gold or copper?

The plating process typically takes about 10-15 minutes for 0.5g of gold or copper. However, this may vary depending on the specific plating method and equipment used.

3. Is it possible to use a different amount of gold or copper for plating eyeglasses?

Yes, it is possible to use a different amount of gold or copper for plating eyeglasses. However, the recommended amount is 0.5g as it provides a good balance between cost and quality.

4. What type of gold or copper should be used for plating eyeglasses?

The type of gold or copper used for plating eyeglasses is typically a high-quality solution specifically designed for electroplating. It is important to use a reliable and reputable supplier for optimal results.

5. Can eyeglasses be plated with a combination of gold and copper?

Yes, it is possible to use a combination of gold and copper for plating eyeglasses. This may result in a unique color or finish, but it is important to ensure that the metals are compatible and will not cause any unwanted reactions during the plating process.

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