Electricity is generated by the movement of electrons. A voltaic battery creates electrical energy using electrodes and a chemical solution called an electrolyte, which contains positive or negative atoms called ions. The ions in the electrolyte solution react with the metal electrodes. Electrolyte solutions, such as vinegar, salt water or lemon juice, conduct the electrons from one electrode to another to create electricity. A lemon battery experiment can be easily set up for a third-grade science project.
- Lemon
- 2-inch-long galvanized nail
- 2-inch-long copper wire
- Voltmeter
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Instructions
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1
Select a large, fresh lemon to serve as the battery. Roll the lemon on a table while pressing down on it, not breaking the skin, to crush the pulp so that the juice is released inside the lemon.
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2
Insert the 2-inch-long galvanized nail into one side of the lemon, leaving about an inch protruding from the lemon. Insert the copper wire into the other side of the lemon, leaving an inch of wire protruding.
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3
Connect the voltmeter to the lemon battery by attaching one clip to the nail and the other clip to the copper wire. Note the amount of current that is passing from one electrode to the other.