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.
Practise Edexcel GCSE Chemistry Electrolytic processes with exam-style questions for Foundation and Higher tier. 100 questions, matched to the Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) specification and written in Paper 1 and Paper 2 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.