How do fruit batteries work

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Add to my courses. Footer bottom Links. The Research Council of Norway. Zinc and copper are a good pair. In a citric acid solution such as exists inside a lemon, copper produces extra electrons. They flow through the electrolyte to the zinc, where they build up.

When you connect the electrodes with a wire, the charges travel through the wire back to the copper electrode, thus completing the circuit. A galvanized nail makes a great zinc electrode. Use a piece of gauge electrical wire or a penny for the copper electrode. If you opt for a penny, make sure it was minted before Later pennies are made mostly from zinc. The stronger the acid in an electrolyte, the better the electrolyte will conduct electricity and the stronger your battery will be.

When it comes to citrus fruit, taste is a good indicator of acid strength, because strong acids taste more sour than weak ones. Preview Image: Apple Battery. I tripped over a shrinking bank balance and fell into the writing gig unintentionally. This was after I escaped the corporate world and searched in vain for ways to become rich on the internet by doing nothing. Despite the fact that writing is no recipe for wealth, I rather enjoy it. I will not deny I am obsessed with it when I have the time.

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