Metal plating is done by passing current through a metal solution. For example,
ID: 993712 • Letter: M
Question
Metal plating is done by passing current through a metal solution. For example, an item can become gold plated by attaching the item to a power source and submerging it into a Au3+ solution. The item itself serves as the cathode, at which the Au3+ions are reduced to Au(s). A piece of solid gold is used as the anode and is also connected to the power source, thus completing the circuit.
What mass of gold is produced when 18.0 A of current are passed through a gold solution for 50.0 min ?
Express your answer with the appropriate units.
Explanation / Answer
we know that
according to faradays first law of electrolysis
mass of metal deposited is
m = I x t x M / F x z
given
current (I) = 18 A
time (t) = 50 min = 50 x 60 = 3000 s
molar mass (M) of gold = 197
Faradays constant (F) = 96485
charge (z) = 3
so
using those values
we get
m = 18 x 3000 x 197 / 96485 x 3
m = 36.75
so
36.75 grams of gold is produced