Data Structure
Networking
RDBMS
Operating System
Java
MS Excel
iOS
HTML
CSS
Android
Python
C Programming
C++
C#
MongoDB
MySQL
Javascript
PHP
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Mathematics
English
Economics
Psychology
Social Studies
Fashion Studies
Legal Studies
- Selected Reading
- UPSC IAS Exams Notes
- Developer's Best Practices
- Questions and Answers
- Effective Resume Writing
- HR Interview Questions
- Computer Glossary
- Who is Who
Difference between Electrolysis and Electroplating
Electrolysis and Electroplating are electrochemical processes that rely on electric current and chemical reactions. The most fundamental difference between electrolysis and electroplating is that electrolysis is an electrochemical process which uses electric current to perform a non-spontaneous chemical reaction, whereas electroplating is an electrochemical process which uses electric current to deposit one metal on another metal.
In this article, we will explore all the major differences between electrolysis and electroplating.
What is Electrolysis?
Electrolysis is an electrochemical process that makes use of an electric current to perform a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. Electrolysis is performed in a device called an electrolytic cell, where the electrolytic cell is nothing but a type of electrochemical cell. An electrolytic cell typically consists of two electrodes immersed in an electrolyte. Electrolysis breakdowns compound into their ions or other components.
In electrolysis, an electric current is made to pass through the electrolyte that allows ions within it to move. This electric current induces the desired chemical reaction within the electrolyte.
Electrolysis is used in a wide range of applications in various industries. Some common applications of electrolysis, include metal extraction, electroplating, chemical production, refining of metals, etc.
Therefore, electrolysis is one of the powerful electrochemical processes that utilize the electric current to perform non-spontaneous chemical reactions.
What is Electroplating?
Electroplating is an electrochemical process that is used to deposit a layer of one metal onto another by using electricity. It is basically an application of electrolysis.
Electroplating is performed by setting up an electrochemical cell having two electrodes namely, an anode and cathode immersed in an electrolyte. Here, the cathode is the metal that has to be coated, while the anode is made up of the metal to be coated on the cathode.
When electric power is supplied, electrons move from the anode to the cathode. The cathode has electrons in excess that can be given to metal ions in the electrolyte. The metal ions gain electrons and become metal atoms. These metal atoms are then plated onto the surface of the cathode. This process is called electroplating.
Hence, electroplating is a process of depositing a thin layer of metal onto a conductive surface through an electrochemical reaction. It is commonly used in applications like making decorative items, providing protection to metals against corrosion, improving surface appearance, etc.
Difference between Electrolysis and Electroplating
The following table highlights all the significant differences between electrolysis and electroplating −
Parameter |
Electrolysis |
Electroplating |
|---|---|---|
Definition |
Electrolysis is an electrochemical process that uses electricity to drive non-spontaneous chemical reactions. |
Electroplating is an electrochemical process that involves depositing a thin layer of one metal onto the surface of another metal. |
Main purpose |
Electrolysis is primarily used to separate compounds into their ions and other elements. |
Electroplating is primarily used to deposit one metal on another metal. |
Anode Characteristic |
In electrolysis, the anode is a positive electrode. |
In electroplating, the anode is made up of the metal to be deposited on the cathode. |
Cathode Characteristic |
In electrolysis, the cathode is a negative terminal. |
In electroplating, the cathode is the metal to be coated. |
Electrolyte |
In electrolysis, an electrolyte is used that has ions to drive the desired non-spontaneous chemical reaction. |
In electroplating, an electrolyte is used that has metal ions of the desired plating metal. |
Final Product |
The final product of the electrolysis depends on the chemical reaction and electrolyte used. It could be compounds, elements, or gases. |
The final product of the electroplating is a metal substrate coated with a desired metal. |
Voltage |
Electrolysis requires comparatively higher voltage to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. |
Electroplating requires a lower voltage than electrolysis. |
Time required |
Electrolysis can require a longer time depending on the reaction and application. |
Electroplating requires a relatively shorter time than electrolysis. |
Applications |
Electrolysis is used in a wider range of applications, such as metal purification and refining, production of chemicals, smelting, generation of gases, and more. |
Electroplating is mainly used to produce decorative items, provide protection against corrosion, manufacture reflective surfaces, etc. |
Conclusion
Both electrolysis and electroplating are electrochemical processes used in a variety of applications. However, they are absolutely different from each other.
The most significant difference between electrolysis and electroplating is in their purpose. Electrolysis is used to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction using electric current to separate compounds into their ions and other components, whereas electroplating is used to plate on metal on another metal. It is important to note that electrolysis and electroplating both are based on the chemical effect of electric current.
245 Views
