Correct Option
The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Electroplating is the process of depositing a layer of any desired metal on another material by means of electricity. It is one of the most common applications of the chemical effects of electric current. The process involves an electrolytic cell containing an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte solution.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. Electroplating is the process of depositing (adding) a layer of metal onto a surface, not removing it. The goal is often to protect the underlying metal from corrosion or to improve its appearance (e.g., gold plating).
- Statement 2 is Correct. In the electroplating setup, the object to be coated acts as the cathode. Since metal ions in the solution are positively charged (cations), the object must be connected to the negative terminal of the battery to attract and reduce these ions onto its surface.
- Statement 3 is Correct. The metal to be deposited (the source metal) acts as the anode. It is connected to the positive terminal of the battery. During the process, the metal atoms from the anode oxidize and dissolve into the electrolyte solution to replenish the metal ions consumed at the cathode.
Key Takeaway: In electroplating, the object to be plated is always the Cathode (connected to the negative terminal), and the source metal is the Anode (connected to the positive terminal). The electrolyte must contain salts of the metal to be deposited.