Mass Deposited Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the mass deposited calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Mass Deposited Calculator

Formulas Used

Mass Deposited

mass = (charge * molar_mass) / (z * 96485)

Moles Deposited

moles = charge / (z * 96485)

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
chargeTotal Charge (Q)(C)18000
molar_massMolar Mass (M)(g/mol)107.87
zCharge Number (z)1

How It Works

Mass from Charge in Electrolysis

Formula

m = (Q × M) / (z × F)

Where:

  • m = mass deposited (g)
  • Q = total charge passed (C) = I × t
  • M = molar mass (g/mol)
  • z = charge number
  • F = 96485 C/mol

    • This is Faraday's Law expressed in terms of total charge rather than current and time.

    Worked Example

    Pass 18,000 C through a silver nitrate solution (M = 107.87, z = 1).

    charge = 18000molar_mass = 107.87z = 1
    1. 01m = (Q × M) / (z × F)
    2. 02m = (18000 × 107.87) / (1 × 96485)
    3. 03m = 1,941,660 / 96485
    4. 04m = 20.124 g of silver

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I find the total charge?

    Q = I × t, where I is current in amperes and t is time in seconds. For example, 5 A for 1 hour = 5 × 3600 = 18000 C.

    What metals can be electroplated?

    Common electroplated metals include silver (z=1), copper (z=2), nickel (z=2), chromium (z=3), gold (z=1 or 3), and zinc (z=2).

    What happens at the other electrode?

    If a metal is deposited at the cathode, oxidation occurs at the anode. This could dissolve the anode metal or produce gas (e.g., O₂ from water).

    Ready to run the numbers?

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