# Electroplating is used to coat steel cutlery with silver. Explain why electroplating the cutlery with silver improves its properties.

> Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) — 5.1 Transition metals, alloys and corrosion (Chem only) · Explain · 4 marks

> Steel cutlery is sometimes electroplated with silver before being sold. Electroplating uses electrolysis to coat the steel with a thin layer of silver metal.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Electroplating coats the steel with a thin layer of silver / another metal
2. Silver improves the corrosion resistance of the steel / protects the steel from corrosion
3. Silver improves the appearance of the cutlery / silver is shiny / silver is attractive
4. Electroplating is cheaper than making the cutlery entirely from silver / only a small (thin) amount of silver is needed

## Key terms

- [electroplating](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/electroplating)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/electroplating-is-used-to-coat-steel-465d0946) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.