Question

The object to be electroplated is taken as _____ electrode.
A. anode
B. cathode
C. anode and cathode both
D. none of these.

Answer 1

In the word ‘Electroplating’, ‘electro’ refers to electric current and ‘plating’ refers to an act of outer covering of some materials with a thin layer of a different metal. Electroplating is the process of plating a layer of any metal on other material by passing an electric current.

Complete answer:
In the process of electroplating, an external source of electric current is usually applied. This takes place in an electrolytic cell. The electrode connected to the positive terminal of the battery is called anode, while the electrode connected to the negative terminal of the battery is called cathode.

The electrochemical reduction reaction takes place at the cathode (negative terminal). The electrochemical oxidation reaction takes place at the anode (positive terminal).The object on which electroplating takes place is made the cathode (negative terminal). The metal which is going to be plated as a layer on the object is made the anode (positive terminal).

The salt solution of the metal which is to be deposited is taken as electrolyte.The anode is given the direct current, where oxidation reaction occurs making its metal ions dissolved in the electrolyte solution. These dissolved metal ions from the electrolytic solution become less as they get deposited on the cathode.

Therefore, the correct answer is option B.

Note: On passing the current, oxidation takes place at anode – electrons are liberated and positively ions get dissolved in the solution. The ions of the metal to be plated move towards the cathode and get deposited on the metal to be electroplated since cathode is the negative terminal of the battery. In an electrolytic cell, the flow of electrons is from cathode to anode through the internal supply.