7th Grade Science Fair
Electroplating
Electroplating is when we coat an item with metal from using another metal. This is done by a process called electrolysis, which means that we use electricity to create a chemical reaction. In this experiment we will be putting these concepts to test by attempting to copper-coat nickels and quarters. For additional background research, look into these two concepts- electroplating and electrolysis.
Creating a hypothesis
Do you think we can effectively plate copper on quarters and nickel? Why or why not?
Material
1. A clean quarter or nickel
2. Vinegar
3. Plastic cup or food container
4. Measuring cup
8. Copper Strip
9. Tape (optional)
Procedure
1. Measure 2 to 4 ounces of vinegar and pour into the plastic cup
2. Add your battery into the battery snap, let it sit on the side
3. Clip on the copper strip to one end of the red alligator clip
4. Clip the other end of the red alligator clip onto the red wire coming out of the batter snap
5. Next, clip one end of the black alligator clip to the black wire from the battery snap
6. Clip the other end of the black alligator clip to quarter or nickel for copper plating
7. Let the copper clipped from the red alligator clip sit in the vinegar for about 3 to 4 hours or just until the solution begins to take a blueish color. Make sure to stand up the alligator clip in a way that it doesn’t go in the liquid and that only the copper is in the liquid. Tape can be used to stick the wire to the side of the cup so it would stay in place
8. Now place the coin clipped from the alligator clip into the vinegar. Let it sit for a while, but no need to let it sit for more than half an hour.
9. Take the coin out. Record what you observed
Conclusion
What happened to the coin when you took it out the solution? Did it have any copper plated on it? Did this experiment prove your hypothesis correct or incorrect?
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