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Chemistry Forums for Students => Analytical Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: oldgramma on May 21, 2021, 03:01:13 PM

Title: Electroplating quick question
Post by: oldgramma on May 21, 2021, 03:01:13 PM

Hello, I would like to ask for those who have experience with electroplating, is there any formula or hypothetical model that predicts the plating thickness? Like is there anything that says that X amount of voltage/concentration will plate X amount of Metal A on Metal B?

I hope I make sense 😅 Please excuse my limited knowledge on this as well since I am asking for a struggling friend

Title: Re: Electroplating quick question
Post by: Borek on May 21, 2021, 05:27:06 PM

Faraday's law of electrolysis tells you how much substance will be deposited as a function of the charge going through the solution, form that - and knowing the surface - you can calculate the thickness of the plating.

Charge itself is a function of the current used, to some extent that can be calculated from the voltage/concentration, but it is not trivial. Practical approach is to not bother with calculations, but to use the voltage to control the current.