In an electrolytic plating setup, a steel spoon is immersed in an aqueous NiCl₂ solution opposite a pure nickel strip. When a direct-current power supply is switched on, nickel metal begins to plate onto the spoon. To ensure this observation occurs, which connection must be made between the spoon and the power supply?
(a) Connect the spoon to the positive terminal so that the Ni2+ cations are electrostatically attracted to it.
(b) Connect the spoon to either terminal; nickel will deposit on both electrodes.
(c) Connect the spoon to the negative terminal so it serves as the cathode.
(d) Connect the spoon to the positive terminal so it functions as the anode.