Question

_________ is an application of electrolysis.

• A. Oxidation
• B. Electrotyping
• C. Electric shielding
• D. Electric polishing.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Electrotyping is one of application of electrolysis, and is used for the reproduction of some craft work e.g., art work on metals, woodcarving and gramophone records etc.

An impression of the object is taken on a wax block. The wax blocks impression is then coated (sprayed) with a fine power of graphite and is made cathode in an electrolytic bath containing solution of a suitable salt e.g., copper sulfate.

The anode is made of a thin sheet of pure metal e.g., copper metal. The passage of electric current results in the deposition of copper on the wax block impression. After a reasonably thick layer of metal is obtained, the wax is removed by melting. The metallic impression so obtained can be used for obtaining its copies on paper or on plastics.