Electroplating Electroplating is the process of depositing one metal onto another metal. Electrons travel from the negative end of the battery through the cathode (penny), through the solution, up through the anode (zinc), and into the positive end of the battery. The positively charged zinc ions from the solution are attracted to the negatively charged cathode. These ions attach themselves to the cathode. More positively charged zinc ions are pulled off the anode to replace the ones now on the cathode. Electrons Battery Metal Salt Solution Cathode Anode Zinc Ions A regular unplated penny A similar penny plated in nickel. Another penny plated in gold

Electroplating Applications Increase Hardness and Durability –Steel parts like camshafts and crankshafts are chrome plated Increase Conductivity –Electric train rails are nickel plated –Contacts in electrical circuits are gold plated Increase Corrosion Resistance –Iron and galvanized steel are zinc plated Enhance –Jewelry is silver and gold plated Copper plated Rose Electroplating Factory

Electrostatics Most atoms are neutral because they have the same amount of protons as electrons. Some electrons can move freely from one atom to another. Static electricity is the imbalance of positive and negative charges. Like charges repel, and opposite charges attract each other. A common way to move electrons from one place to another is to rub two objects together.