An electroplating technician is measuring the rate of nickel deposition onto a steel cathode during the electrolysis of nickel(II) sulfate solution.
The technician records the mass of the cathode before and after a 30-minute electrolysis run.
Table 1
| Mass of cathode (g) | Appearance of electrolyte | |
|---|---|---|
| Before electrolysis | 12.45 | Green solution |
| After electrolysis | 12.82 | Green solution |
Explain the precise steps the technician must perform to prepare the steel cathode immediately upon its removal from the electrolysis cell, before weighing it to ensure the final mass measurement is accurate.
83 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Chemistry 4.2 Electrolytic processes, covering 4.2.1 Electrolytes and the process of electrolysis, 4.2.2 Products of electrolysis using inert electrodes, 4.2.3 Half equations, oxidation and reduction in electrolysis, and 4.2.4 Electrolysis of copper sulfate and purifying copper. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.