Electrochemistry is the study of chemical processes that determine the movement of electrons. Redox reactions are reactions that include changes in the oxidation states of elements. Oxidation is the process in which a substance loses electrons and reduction is the process in which a substance gains electrons. The substance that is oxidized is called a reducing agent, while the substance that is reduced is called an oxidizing agent. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay To cause redox reactions in electrolytic cells, the use of an external source of electrical energy is necessary; otherwise the reaction would not be spontaneous. Electrolytic cells are composed of two half-cells, and the direction of electron flow in electrolytic cells is from the anode to the cathode. During the electrolysis process, an electric current passes through a solution of an ionic compound called an electrolyte. Redox reactions, which occur at the electrodes, form electrically neutral products after removing the charges on the ions. Components of an electrolytic cell (figure from Pearson IB HL chemistry textbook) This investigation will include electrolysis using copper electrodes. Copper is widely considered to be an efficient electrical conductor. The overall reaction of copper electrolysis will be the movement of Cu2+(aq) from where it is produced on the anode to the cathode where it is discharged as Cu(s). The changes observed at the electrodes are a pinkish brown color of the Cu deposited on the cathode, disintegration of the Cu anode, no change in the pH of the solution and no change in the intensity of the blue color of the solution because the Cu2+ ions are both formed and removed from the solution so that their concentration remains constant. Please note: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay One result of electrolyzing copper in a copper sulfate solution is that the copper will be electrolytic on the cathode. Electroplating is the process of plating one metal onto another through electrolysis. Electroplating was first discovered in 1805 by Luigi Brugnatelli. In 1840, the Elkington cousins ​​designed a workable electroplating method for gold and silver that spread widely throughout the world. The first step in the electroplating process is to deposit a negative charge on a metal. After the metal contains a negative charge, that metal is then immersed in a solution of electrolytes that contain positively charged metal ions. After the metal is immersed in the solution, the two metals are attracted to each other. Electroplating allows manufacturers to use inexpensive metals for the interiors of their products and then apply different metals to the exterior to prevent a metal from corroding. Electroplating is also used for decorative purposes in the jewelry and automotive industries.