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What solution should I use for electroplating with copper?

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I'm doing a science project where I'm electroplating aluminum with copper with three different voltages and seeing which one electroplates the fastest. But I haven't found a definate solution to use. I read about using copper sulfate [linked by editor to product info at Amazon], but exactly would that solution contain? And do you think that using different voltages is a good way to test it? Thanks, I need all the help I can get.

Avia L
student - Hannibal, MO, United States of America

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You didn't say what grade you are in, Avia, and a 12th year electroplating project should be a far more impressive demonstration than a 3rd grade science project. You need to plate nickels, dimes, quarters, silver objects, or brass keys, not aluminum. If you are in high school, just assuring you that the answers are on this site should be enough.

As to the question of whether using 3 different voltages is a good way to test it, I have to answer with a question: "What is the hypothesis you are trying to test?"

Good luck. I am trying to be a helper rather than an enabler.

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

P.S.: Anybody see "Stupid in America"? A wake-up call!