Letter 3390

Silver Nitrate electroplating. Need help! 

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Hello, I am interested in doing a science experiment (for school) on electroplating. I can get to Silver nitrate (through my teacher) and the other materials, but I don't have a METHOD pinned down fully. nor do i know the amount of substances (silver nitrate, copper, solution, etc) which I require to complete this assignment. oh, yes and what will the solution be made of?

I read in this site that you prefer us to use zinc, but my science teacher says that I can use silver nitrate.

I see the method in this site, but it is not fully what I require. I am planning on using copper (pennies) and silver nirtate. I would be VERY grateful if someone could demonstrate, the way which I require. Please URGENTLY email me with any infomation which would help me. THANKYOU!

Natasha Ashes
- Australia

From Metal Finishing Shop Problems column July 1976:

• 1 oz/gal silver nitrate
• 10 oz/gal ammonia
• 14 oz/gal sodium thiosulphate

However, whether you understood what you read is not clear: this solution will deposit on copper by immersion (because silver is a more noble metal than copper). No electricity is required.

Now all that your science teacher and you have to do is research whether or not this material will dry into an explosive fulminate.

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, New Jersey