Copper Electroplating - Science at Home

Welcome to science at home in this experiment we are exploring copper electroplating by coating a nail with copper. Copper electroplating requires electricty to polarize a metal that will attract copper ions. Copper electroplating is used in jewelry and to help prevent corrosion. At the end of this episode you will be able to demonstrate copper electroplating, explain why the copper ions coat the nail and explain the process of copper electroplating.

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Water
Root Killer (Copper Sulfate)
Mason Jar with Lid
Kitchen Scale
2 AA Batteries
2 Alligator Clip Wires
Electrical Tape
Non Galvanized Nail
Dust Mask
Goggles
Nitrile Gloves
Apron or Lab Coat

Put on the dust mask, goggles and nitrile gloves
Using the scale measure out 100g of root killer into the mason jar
Pour 2 cups of hot water into the mason jar
Put the lid on the mason jar and give it a gentle swirl until all of the root killer has been dissolved
Clean the nail by making a slurry out of the metal cleaning powder and scrub the nail
Rinse the nail under running water
Place both AA batteries together positive to negative and tape them
Tape one alligator clip to the negative side of the batteries
Clip the second alligator clip to the positive side of the batteries
Take the piece of copper pipe and place it into the mason jar with the copper solution
Secure the copper pipe in the mason jar with electrical tape
Clip the alligator clip touching the positive side of the battery to the copper pipe
Connect the alligator clip touching the negative side of the batteries to your nail or piece of metal
Submerge the nail into the copper solution and slowly move it around in the solution
Once you are done platting remove the nail from the solution, let it any excess liquid drip off and dry it with paper towel

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