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-----Chemical Formula for Reaction - Zinc Plating
2003
I'm going to plate zinc onto copper as you show in the FAQ, "Electroplating--How it Works" as a 6th grade science fair project. If I use a vinegar ⇦ in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil link] , Epsom Salts, and sugar, what is the balanced formula for the chemical reaction? By the way, my dad and I bought a Zinc anode made for a boat for $1.25 at a boat shop. We are going to use it for a Zinc source.
Thanks,
Gina- Everett, Washington
2003
That is a great source for zinc, Gina, and I keep forgetting to suggest it; so thanks for reminding us.
The sugar is not part of the "balanced formula for the chemical reaction"; rather it blocks continued plating and crystal growth, inducing the formation of new crystals.
The reaction at the anode is that for each 2 electrons that your battery removes, one atom of zinc goes into solution according to the reaction Zn0 - 2e => Zn++. These Zn++ ions migrate toward the cathode where the 2 electrons are picked up again, causing the reaction Zn++ +2e --> Zn0.
Epsom salt is MgSO4,and will ionize to Mg++SO4--
vinegar (acetic acid
⇦ on
eBay
or
Amazon [affil link] ) is HC2H3O2, and will ionize to H+C2H3O2-, so the solution will contain Zn++, Mg++, SO4--, H+, and C2H3O2- ions. Good luck.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
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