Which of the following statements is correct regarding electroplating?

Explanation:

Electroplating

• Electroplating is a process that uses an electric current to reduce dissolved metal cations so that they form a coherent metal coating on an electrode. This process is widely used for decorative purposes, corrosion resistance, and improving surface properties. Electroplating involves the movement of metal ions from the anode to the cathode through an electrolytic solution.

The rate of anodic dissolution is found equal to the rate of deposition of metal onto the substrate.

• This statement accurately describes a fundamental principle of electroplating. During the electroplating process, the metal ions from the anode dissolve into the electrolyte solution at a rate equal to their deposition onto the cathode (the substrate to be plated). This ensures a steady-state process, where the amount of metal lost from the anode equals the amount of metal deposited on the cathode.

The process is governed by Faraday's laws of electrolysis, which state that the mass of a substance deposited or dissolved during electrolysis is directly proportional to the amount of electric charge passed through the electrolyte.

Key Steps in Electroplating:

• The substrate to be plated (cathode) and the metal to be deposited (anode) are submerged in an electrolytic solution containing metal ions of the anode.
• An electric current is passed through the electrolyte, causing the metal anode to dissolve into the solution as metal cations.
• These cations migrate toward the cathode, where they gain electrons and are deposited as a metal layer.