Chemical Forums
Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: CoolGuyNice on April 20, 2016, 04:27:32 AM
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Okay so im doing an experiment that involves electroplating copper onto some stainless steel. The experiment involves a copper sulphate electrolyte, a copper anode and a steel cathode. I've worked out that in standard conditions, the copper would be reducing and oxidising giving a cell potential of 0. However, the concentration is one of the independent variables so to work out the cell potential, im trying to use the Nernst equation. What i'm unsure or even confused on is the specific role cell potential actually plays in electroplating or electrolysis. I can do the calculations and everything but im wondering if the Nernst equation is relevant to discuss in depth and whether the cell potential plays that much of a role in the overall process of electroplating. The voltage is also being changed btw. Any help would be greatly appreciated.