CHEMICAL EFFECTS OF ELECTRIC CURRENT | Class 8 Science Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 3 min read
CHEMICAL EFFECTS OF ELECTRIC CURRENT – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of CHEMICAL EFFECTS OF ELECTRIC CURRENT from Class 8 Science, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
Electroplating
Electroplating is a process that uses the chemical effect of electric current to coat the surface of a metal object with a thin layer of another metal. This is done to improve the appearance of the object, prevent corrosion, or reduce friction. In electroplating, the object to be plated acts as the cathode, and the metal to be deposited acts as the anode. Both electrodes are dipped in an electrolyte solution containing ions of the metal to be deposited. When electric current passes through the circuit, metal ions from the electrolyte move towards the cathode and get deposited on the object’s surface. Simultaneously, metal atoms from the anode dissolve into the electrolyte to maintain the concentration of metal ions. For example, in silver plating, the object to be plated is connected to the negative terminal (cathode), and a silver rod is connected to the positive terminal (anode) and dipped in silver nitrate solution. Silver ions from the solution get deposited on the object, giving it a shiny silver coating. Electroplating is widely used in jewelry, cutlery, and electronic components.
📊 Diagram: Diagram shows electroplating setup with an object as cathode and metal rod as anode dipped in electrolyte solution connected to a battery. Metal deposits on cathode surface.
🧪 Activity: Activity: Electroplating a copper spoon with silver using silver nitrate solution and a battery.
🔗 Connection: This section connects to the next section on purification of metals using chemical effects of electric current.
Frequently asked questions
1. Fill in the blanks. (a) Most liquids that conduct electricity are solutions of __________, __________ and __________. (b) The passage of an electric current through a solution causes __________ effects. (c) If you pass current through copper sulphate solution, copper gets deposited on the plate connected to the __________ terminal of the battery. (d) The process of depositing a layer of any desired metal on another material by means of electricity is called __________.
(a) Most liquids that conduct electricity are solutions of acids, bases and salts.
(b) The passage of an electric current through a solution causes chemical effects.
(c) If you pass current through copper sulphate solution, copper gets deposited on the plate connected to the negative terminal of the battery.
(d) The process of depositing a layer of any desired metal on another material by means of electricity is called electroplating.
2. When the free ends of a tester are dipped into a solution, the magnetic needle shows deflection. Can you explain the reason?
The magnetic needle shows deflection because the solution conducts electricity, allowing current to flow through the circuit. The current produces a magnetic field around the wire, which causes the magnetic needle to deflect.
3. Name three liquids, which when tested in the manner shown in Fig.11.9, may cause the magnetic needle to deflect.
Three liquids that may cause the magnetic needle to deflect are: 1. Salt water (solution of common salt in water) 2. Lemon juice (acidic solution) 3. Vinegar (acetic acid solution)
4. The bulb does not glow in the setup shown in Fig.11.10. List the possible reasons. Explain your answer.
Possible reasons why the bulb does not glow: 1. The liquid in the container may not be conducting electricity (e.g., pure water). 2. There may be a loose connection or break in the circuit. 3. The bulb may be fused or faulty. 4. The battery may be dead or not connected properly.
Explanation: For the bulb to glow, the circuit must be complete and the liquid must conduct electricity to allow current flow. If any of these conditions fail, the bulb will not glow.
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