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My electroplating science project [California] 

May 7, 2007

HI I am doing a science project using electroplating. I am wanting to use more than one metal. I was wanting to use zinc, copper, and aluminum. Are all of these metals going to work for electroplating. I already own aluminum sulfate. I will be plating these metals on old tarnished spoons. I wanted to know how to do this. Would I just follow the other instructions or do I need to do it differently. Do you have any other easy suggestions on different metals to use. Thank you for your time.

Sally M
- Anahiem, Ca, USA

Sometimes a failed experiment, or maybe we should phrase it as an experiment where the hypothesis is disproven, can be very informative. Please do the zinc and copper as you read on this website, then try the aluminum with the aluminum sulfate as the electrolyte. I think you have the makings for a great experiment, Sally. Please proceed with it, get back to us with your results, and we'd be happy to help you explain them. Please advise what grade you are in.

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, NJ