Fruit battery circuit
*A SAMPLE PROJECT IN THE MONTHLY BOX*
Difficulty: ★★★★☆
You have probably used batteries to make your iPhone, clock, or other gadgets work. Did you know that you can indeed use chemical energy stored within a fruit, like lemon or orange, to power a mini LED light bulb? It's no rumor, we'll teach you exactly how in this fruit battery experiment.
Kit contains:
- Zinc electrode strips x 4
- Copper electrode strips x 4
- Double-ended alligator clip wires x 5
- Small LED light bulb x 2 (1 as backup)
- Lemons x 4 (Please prepare)
Instructions:
(Order this project / Subscribe to Activity Box to get this step-by-step guide! Free sample guide available HERE)
What's happening?
The active ingredient in the fruit are positively charged ions. A transfer of electrons takes place between the zinc strips (which are active metal) and the acid from the fruit. The nails act as poles for the battery, one positive and one negative. Electrons travel from the positive pole to the negative pole via the light bulb wire (the conductor), generating enough electricity to light the bulb.
Level up the game!
Try potato, grapefruit, or any other fruits that your child loves (or even hates)!
Acknowledgements & disclaimer: These guides are developed by Moinàrchy. All activities are intended for use with children under adult supervision with due diligence.