Electroplating activity

An electroplating set up. The key on the right will be coated with a layer of copper. Copper sulfate solution is placed in the beaker.

The set-up above is designed to copper plate a layer of copper on the metal key.

Copper sulfate solution is placed in the beaker to the point that the key is fully submerged.

On the other end is attached a piece of copper to the electrode.

The piece of copper is attached to the positive terminal and the key is connected to the negative terminal. A voltage of 2-4 volts is used over a ten minute period.

A locker key with a layer of copper. From what you know of reactive metals explain what will happen to the copper plated iron key on the left if left out in open.

Explain what will happen if the key was connected to the positive terminal rather than the negative terminal.

Describe the appearance of the copper metal after several hours of electroplating. Explain why? Electron moving under the force supplied by the power source.