Science glossary film: Electroplating

Coating an object with a metal using electrolysis. During electroplating an electric current is passed through a liquid that conducts electricity. This causes metal ions – in this case, silver ions – to move from the positive anode to the negative cathode – here, a cheap copper spoon. At the cathode, the silver ions are neutralised, and coat the spoon with a thin layer of silver atoms. Electroplating is used to make items more resistant to corrosion, or to improve their appearance, such as when cheap metals are electroplated with silver or gold.

During electroplating an electric current is passed through a liquid that conducts electricity. This causes metal ions – in this case, silver ions – to move from the positive anode to the negative cathode – here, a cheap copper spoon. At the cathode, the silver ions are neutralised, and coat the spoon with a thin layer of silver atoms. Electroplating is used to make items more resistant to corrosion, or to improve their appearance, such as when cheap metals are electroplated with silver or gold.