An iron bar is to be electroplated with zinc. a. Identify what will act as the two electrodes for the cell and identify the anode and the cathode.
b. Write the half reactions occurring at each electrode.
c. Identify a solution that would make a suitable electrolyte for this cell.
d. Identify which electrode will be attached to the negative post of the battery and which electrode will be attached to the positive post and explain.

a)Anode-Zinc

Cathode - Iron

b) At the anode;

Zn(s) > Zn^+(aq) + 2e

At the cathode;

Zn^+(aq) + 2e > Zn(s)

c) ZnSO4

d) The electrode which is connected to the positive post of the battery is the anode.

The electrode which is connected to the negative post of the battery is the cathode.

Explanation:

Electroplating is an electrolytic process in which a metal is used to cover the surface of another metal. The plating substance is the anode while the plated substance is the cathode. The electrolyte is a salt of the plating metal.

The anode of an electrolytic cell must be maintained at a positive potential with respect to the cathode hence it is connected to the positive terminal of the battery. The cathode must be maintained at a negative potential hence it is connected to the negative terminal of the battery.