A mechanic wants to electroplate a metal 'X' with a lyer of 'Y' which of these option is correct for the required set-up?

Options

A. The metal 'Y' should be taken as the cathode.
B. The metal 'X' should be taken as the cathode.
C. An alloy of 'X' and 'Y' should be taken as the anode.
D. An alloy of 'X' and 'Y' should be taken as the cathode.

Answer

To solve the question regarding the electroplating setup for a mechanic who wants to electroplate a metal 'X' with a layer of 'Y', we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand Electroplating**: Electroplating is a process that uses electric current to reduce dissolved metal cations so that they form a coherent metal coating on an electrode.

2. **Identify the Components**: In the electroplating setup, we need two electrodes: an anode and a cathode. The anode is connected to the positive terminal of the battery, and the cathode is connected to the negative terminal.

3. **Determine the Role of Each Metal**:
- Metal 'X' is the object that needs to be coated.
- Metal 'Y' is the metal that will be deposited onto 'X'.

4. **Assign the Electrodes**:
- The **cathode** is where the reduction occurs, meaning it is where the metal ions from the electrolyte will deposit. In this case, metal 'X' should be placed at the cathode.
- The **anode** is where oxidation occurs, and it typically consists of the metal that is being dissolved into the solution. Therefore, metal 'Y' should be in the electrolyte solution.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the roles of the electrodes and the metals:
- Metal 'X' should be taken as the cathode.
- Metal 'Y' should be in the electrolyte solution.

### Final Answer:
The correct setup is that **metal 'X' should be taken as the cathode**, and **metal 'Y' should be in the electrolyte solution**.