Medium⏱ time45 min$ cost9
Copper Electroplating
Use electricity and a copper solution to coat a coin in a shiny new copper layer.
Start building ↓
Result first
The build
Step 01
Prepare the bath
Make a copper sulfate solution in a cup.
Step 02
Connect electrodes
Copper piece to (+), the object to (−).
Step 03
Submerge both
Dip them in without touching.
Step 04
Watch it coat
Copper transfers onto the object over minutes.
Working Principle
Current pulls copper ions from the solution onto the negative object while the copper electrode dissolves to resupply them.
The science behind it
A closer look
This is electrolytic deposition: the metal plates atom by atom, which is how jewellery and electronics get their finishes.
Take it further
Variables to test
- 1 Longer time — thicker coat?
- 2 Higher voltage — smooth or rough plating?
More Chemistry
Chemistry
Lemon Battery Array
Wire lemons with zinc and copper electrodes in series to light a real LED from fruit.
Easy⏱25 min$6
Chemistry
Reaction Volcano
Baking soda and vinegar erupt on cue while you measure how the ratio changes the blast.
Easy⏱30 min$7
Chemistry
Elephant Toothpaste
A catalyst makes hydrogen peroxide erupt in a giant foam column in seconds.
Medium⏱20 min$8