How long will it take the zinc to reach the desired thickness?

In summary, for a science experiment involving electroplating, a 130 nm thick zinc coating needs to be applied on both sides of a 3.0 cm*3.0 cm copper sheet. With a current of 1.3 mA and a density of 7140 kg/m^3 for zinc, the total time needed for the zinc to reach the desired thickness is 3846 seconds. The correct number of significant figures should be used in the calculations.
  • #1
rayhan619
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0

Homework Statement



For a science experiment you need to electroplate a 130 nm thick zinc coating onto both sides of a very thin, 3.0 cm*3.0 cm copper sheet. You know that the charge carriers in the ionic solution are divalent (charge 2e) zinc ions. The density of zinc is 7140 kg/m^3
If the electroplating apparatus operates at 1.3 mA, how long will it take the zinc to reach the desired thickness?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



we know area and thickness of the plate and the density of the zinc, and the current.
so we can get the volume of the plate and using density we can figure out the mass.
volume = 3*10^-2* 3*10^-2* 130*10^-9 m = 1.17*10^-10 m^3
and the mass = 1.17*10^-12 m^3 * 7140 kg/m^3 = 8.35*10^-7 kg
in 1 mole the weight of zinc is 65.38 g
so in 8.35*10^-7 kg 1.3*10^-8 mole
1 mole we have 6.022*10^23 atoms
so in 1.3*10^-8 mole we have 1.3*10^-8 * 6.022*10^23 = 7.83*10^15 atoms
so number of electrons = 7.83*10^15 *2 = 1.57*10^16
1 Coulomb is equal to 6.241*10^18 electrons.
so 1.57*10^16 electron = 2.5*10^-3 C
I = Q/t
so t = Q/I
= 2.5*10^-3/1.3*10^-3
= 1.92 s
so for both side the total time would be 1.92*2 = 3.84 s

i tried plugging that number but apparently it was wrong.
Any ideas what i am doing wrong in here?
Any help would be appreciated.
 
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  • #2


rayhan619 said:
in 1 mole the weight of zinc is 65.38 g
so in 8.35*10^-7 kg 1.3*10^-8 mole

Check the units, both kg and g appear here. Use one or the other.
 
  • #3


yes you are right.
i redo the part.
does it look good?

in 1 mole the weight of zinc is 65.38 g
so in 8.35*10^-7 kg 1.3*10^-5 mole
1 mole we have 6.022*10^23 atoms
so in 1.3*10^-5 mole we have 1.3*10^-5 * 6.022*10^23 = 7.83*10^18 atoms
so number of electrons = 7.83*10^18 *2 = 1.57*10^19
1 Coulomb is equal to 6.241*10^18 electrons.
so 1.57*10^19 electron = 2.5 C
I = Q/t
so t = Q/I
= 2.5/1.3*10^-3
= 1923 s
so for both side the total time would be 1923*2 = 3846 s
 
  • #4


Looks good! Just watch the sig figs.
 
  • #5


i tried putting 3.8*10^3 s
but that didnt work either.
donno what's wrong with this problem. : (
 

Related to How long will it take the zinc to reach the desired thickness?

1. How is the thickness of zinc determined?

The thickness of zinc is determined by measuring the amount of zinc coating on the surface of the object, typically using a specialized instrument called a coating thickness gauge.

2. What factors affect the rate at which zinc reaches the desired thickness?

The rate at which zinc reaches the desired thickness is affected by several factors, including the type of zinc coating being used, the temperature and humidity of the environment, and the surface preparation of the object being coated.

3. How long does it typically take for zinc to reach the desired thickness?

The time it takes for zinc to reach the desired thickness can vary depending on the factors mentioned above, but on average it can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

4. Can the thickness of zinc be controlled during the coating process?

Yes, the thickness of zinc can be controlled during the coating process by adjusting the speed of the coating application, the amount of zinc being applied, and the thickness of the zinc particles in the coating solution.

5. What happens if the zinc does not reach the desired thickness?

If the zinc does not reach the desired thickness, it may not provide adequate protection for the object being coated. This can lead to corrosion and other forms of damage over time.

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