V required for electroplating Cu on Fe

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    Electroplating
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the electroplating of copper onto iron using a copper sulfate solution, specifically requiring a voltage of three 9V batteries for the experiment. Participants reference Faraday's laws of electrolysis and Nernst's equation to calculate the deposition rate of copper based on current measurements. The estimated time for visible results is approximately one day, depending on the surface area of the iron nail and the consistency of the current.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Faraday's laws of electrolysis
  • Familiarity with Nernst equation for electrochemical calculations
  • Basic knowledge of electroplating techniques
  • Ability to measure current and calculate surface area
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application of Faraday's laws in electroplating processes
  • Learn how to apply the Nernst equation in practical electrochemical experiments
  • Investigate methods for measuring current in electroplating setups
  • Explore techniques for calculating surface area of irregular objects for electroplating
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students conducting electroplating experiments, hobbyists interested in metal finishing, and educators teaching principles of electrochemistry.

sach963
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For a school project, I need to electroplate copper on an iron nail with copper sulphate solution.
How much voltage electricity will I need for this experiment?
 
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With the help of other sources, I now know that 3 9V batteries will do.But I would also like to know approximately how much time will be taken.
Can anyone help me?
 
sach963 said:
Can anyone help me?

Sure thing. I would ask Faraday about his electrolysis laws and Nernst about his equation.
 
If you start the experiment and measure the current you should be able to work out how many grams are going to be deposited per hour assuming the current stays constant for that time. From the geometry of the nail you should be able to estimate its surface area, and therefrom the thickness per gram. How even it is in practice and how thick it needs to be before you would consider it electroplated - how thick it needs to be to be visible i don't know. I'd guess in a day you'd see something.

If you do it come back and tell us!
 

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