Fruits As Battery
Using Fruits ( Lemon, Orange ) As Battery
Purpose
To demonstrate how an electrical current can be generated using citrus fruits (such as lemons or limes) that is strong enough to power a small light bulb.
Additional information
Batteries are devices that store chemical energy and convert it to electrical energy. Consisting of one or more voltaic cells, batteries come in various sizes and forms and are integrated into most electronic and portable devices.
Electrical current is the flow of electrons (movement) of an electrical charge and is measured using an ammeter. Solid conductive metals contain large population of free electrons, which are bound to the metal lattice and move around randomly due to thermal energy. When two terminals of a voltage source (battery) are connected via a metal wire, the free electrons of the conductor drift toward the positive terminal, making them the electrical current carrier within the conductor.
Required materials
Citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, grapefruits, or oranges.
Copper nail, approximately 2 inches in length
Galvanized (zinc) nail, about 2 inches in length
Small colored or opaque light bulb with a 2 inch lead, such as a holiday LED light. Note that there needs to be enough wire to connect to the nails.
Electrical tape or Crocodile (aka: gator) clip (optional)
Micro Ammeter - a measuring instrument used to measure the electric current in a circuit, can be found at your local Radio Shack store. (optional)
Estimated Experiment Time
About 5 to 10 minutes
Step-By-Step Procedure
1. Prepare your fruit for the experiment by squeezing it on all sides with your hands. Make sure not to squeeze too tightly and break the skin! The idea is to soften the fruit enough so that the juice inside are flowing.
2. Insert your nails into the fruit, approximately 2 inches apart from one another. The ends (sharp tips) of the nails should be in the center of the fruit, but not touching one another. Be careful not
Purpose
To demonstrate how an electrical current can be generated using citrus fruits (such as lemons or limes) that is strong enough to power a small light bulb.
Additional information
Batteries are devices that store chemical energy and convert it to electrical energy. Consisting of one or more voltaic cells, batteries come in various sizes and forms and are integrated into most electronic and portable devices.
Electrical current is the flow of electrons (movement) of an electrical charge and is measured using an ammeter. Solid conductive metals contain large population of free electrons, which are bound to the metal lattice and move around randomly due to thermal energy. When two terminals of a voltage source (battery) are connected via a metal wire, the free electrons of the conductor drift toward the positive terminal, making them the electrical current carrier within the conductor.
Required materials
Citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, grapefruits, or oranges.
Copper nail, approximately 2 inches in length
Galvanized (zinc) nail, about 2 inches in length
Small colored or opaque light bulb with a 2 inch lead, such as a holiday LED light. Note that there needs to be enough wire to connect to the nails.
Electrical tape or Crocodile (aka: gator) clip (optional)
Micro Ammeter - a measuring instrument used to measure the electric current in a circuit, can be found at your local Radio Shack store. (optional)
Estimated Experiment Time
About 5 to 10 minutes
Step-By-Step Procedure
1. Prepare your fruit for the experiment by squeezing it on all sides with your hands. Make sure not to squeeze too tightly and break the skin! The idea is to soften the fruit enough so that the juice inside are flowing.
2. Insert your nails into the fruit, approximately 2 inches apart from one another. The ends (sharp tips) of the nails should be in the center of the fruit, but not touching one another. Be careful not