Determination of Avogadro's Number by Improved Electroplating

A quick and accurate measurement of Avogadro‘s number from the amount of plated material can be made using a modification of an established electrolytic experiment. The experiment was modified to prevent loss of the copper plated at the cathode (copper plate) as a result of poor plating. The copper...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of chemical education 2003-06, Vol.80 (6), p.668
Main Author: Seiglie, Carlos A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abrasives
Chemistry
Electroplating
Experiments
Metals
Plating
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Summary:A quick and accurate measurement of Avogadro‘s number from the amount of plated material can be made using a modification of an established electrolytic experiment. The experiment was modified to prevent loss of the copper plated at the cathode (copper plate) as a result of poor plating. The copper plating thus obtained was a firmly bonded and smooth layer, and the percent error of the results was reduced from approximately 20% to about 1% (the small error remaining is caused by the ammeter limits, not loss of plated mass). Control of the current during the experiment was also easier. If copper is not available it can be replaced by commonly available, inexpensive metals such as iron, zinc, or nickel.
ISSN:0021-9584
1938-1328
DOI:10.1021/ed080p668