The objects which allow the electric current to pass through them, are good conductors while objects, which don’t, are poor conductors of electricity. Electroplating is the process of plating one metal onto another to prevent the corrosion of a metal. Electroplating is widely used in industries for coating metal objects with a thin layer of a different metal.

We have learned in previous chapters that the objects which allow the electric current to pass through them, are good conductors of electricity. On the other hand, materials, which do not allow the electric current to pass through them, are poor conductors of electricity. There are some liquids like saltwater, vinegar, etc that pass electric current easily and some liquids like vegetable oil that don’t allow the electric current.

We often see that artificial jewels lose their shine after a certain period of time. It is because these metals are coated with another metal to give them their lustrous appearance. This process is known as Electroplating. It is depositing a thin layer of metal over another metal object with the help of an electric current. It is used in industry, for coating metal objects, with a thin layer of various metals.

Electroplating has many uses in the industry. Let say, Chromium plating is done on many objects such as car parts, bath taps, kitchen gas burners, bicycle handlebars, wheel rims, and many others. Chromium has a shiny appearance. It does not corrode. It resists scratches. We will also perform an activity and learn how electroplating is done in the wheel rims.