In this science experiment, I'll show you how to make a copper quarter using electroplating and explain the chemical reactions behind this cool science project. The longer you let it run, the thicker the copper layer will be, as detailed in Faraday's Law of Electrolysis.

▶️ Get supplies for this copper plating experiment: https://www.beardedscienceguy.com/how...

▶️ How to do copper plating/electroplating:
Step 1: Pour 1 liter of warm water into a 1000 mL beaker. The warmer, the better because more copper sulfate will be able to dissolve into the solution.

Step 2: Add 200-300 grams of copper sulfate.

Step 3: Stir until completely dissolved in solution.

Step 4: With the 9-volt battery, connect a red alligator clip to the positive terminal and a black alligator clip to the negative terminal.

Step 5: Connect the loose end of the red alligator clip to a spare piece of copper, such as the copper wire coil we used here (anode).

Step 6: Connect the loose end of the black alligator clip to a separate piece of copper holding the coin (cathode).

Step 7: Carefully place the anode and cathode in solution and observe.
REMINDER: Be sure to keep them at least 3 centimeters apart so you don't overheat the battery with a short circuit.

▶️ How electroplating science works:
The flow of electrons creates an oxidation-reduction reaction. This causes copper from the anode to enter the solution and copper from the solution to deposit on the quarter. The copper will plate the quarter within 5 to 10 minutes, depending on a few variables such as the temperature of the solution, the concentration of copper sulfate, and the voltage and current coming from the battery.

-------------------------------------

SUBSCRIBE for more cool science experiments!
https://www.youtube.com/c/BeardedScie...

Find me on Facebook!
  / beardedscienceguy