Question

Draw a diagram for electroplating an article with silver.

Answer 1

Hint: Silver is a metal with symbol Ag with atomic number 47. It is found in earth’s crust in pure and free form. Electroplating is the process of putting a metal coating on an article by the means of a direct electric current through the reduction of cations of that metal.

Complete answer
The portion that is to be coated in electroplating acts as the cathode i.e. negative electrode. The solution of the salt of the metal to be coated acts as the electrolyte. In this electrolytic cell, either the block of the metal to be coated or any inert conductive material is used as the anode i.e. positive electrode. Electroplating has various utilities in various industries. Generally, electroplating is used to improve the surface qualities like resistance to corrosion, lubricity, reflectivity, electrical conductivity, appearance, etc. The diagram for electroplating an article with silver is shown below.

For electroplating an article with silver, we have to construct an electrolytic cell because the electroplating is done by the means of direct electric current. So for the flow of direct electric current the construction of electrolytic cell is necessary. To perform the process of electroplating an article with silver let us take an example of an article say spoon.
Now, in the required electrolytic cell the article to be coated i.e. the spoon will act as the cathode. Silver i.e. the metal to be coated will act as anode i.e. the positive electrode. Now, for the conduction of electric current we have to make a suitable choice of electrolyte which is sodium argento-cyanide solution.

Note:
Thus, the process of electroplating of an article is carried out with the means of direct current through the electrolyte cell. The article to be coated acts as the cathode, whereas the silver acts as anode. The electrolyte solution used is a salt solution named sodium argento-cyanide solution.