![]() In a lemon battery, both oxidation (loss of electrons) and reduction (gain of electrons) occur. This battery is similar to the original "simple voltaic cells" invented by Alessandro Volta (see below). In potatoes, for instance, the electrolyte is phosphoric acid, while in lemons it is citric acid. ![]() NOTE: Potatoes, apples, sauerkraut, or any other fruit or vegetable containing acid or other electrolyte can be used, but lemons are preferred because of their higher acidity. To the left a series circuit of lemons shows 3.41 volts being produced. The lemon merely provides an environment where this can happen, but they are not used up in the process.Īssuming that zinc and copper electrodes are used (such as a copper coin and a zinc plated nail) then a single lemon could generate approximately 0.9 Volts. The zinc is oxidized inside the lemon, exchanging some of its electrons in order to reach a lower energy state, and the energy released provides the power. The energy for the battery does not come from the lemon, but rather the chemical change in zinc (or other metal). On the other hand, if you put strips of zinc and copper in a conductive solution, and connect them externally with a wire, the reactions between the electrodes and the solution will allow the electrons to flow continuously through the wire.Ī lemon battery is made with a lemon and two metallic electrodes of different metals such as a copper penny or wire and a galvanized (zinc coated) nail. As the electrons concentrate on the copper they will repel each other and stop the flow of electrons from zinc to copper. Since copper (Cu) atoms attract electrons more than zinc (Zn) atoms, if you place a piece of copper and a piece of zinc in contact with each other, electrons will pass from the zinc to the copper. These two objects work as electrodes, causing an electrochemical reaction which generates a small potential difference. The copper serves as the positive electrode or cathode and the galvanized (zinc coated) nail as the electron-producing negative electrode or anode. Let's start with a very simple battery that uses a lemon that has two different metallic objects inserted into it, for example a galvanized nail and a copper coin or wire. ![]() Batteries can be stored for a long time and still work because the chemical process doesn't start until the electrons flow from the negative to the positive terminals through a circuit.Ī Chemical Reaction Takes Place in a BatteryĪ Simple example - The lemon cell battery But the reaction takes place only if there is a flow of electrons. ![]() Inside the battery, a reaction between chemicals take place. Electrons will flow through the wire and a current of electricity is produced. If you connect the two terminals with wire, a circuit is formed. Batteries convert Chemical Energy into Electrical EnergyĪ battery has two ends - a positive terminal (cathode) and a negative terminal (anode). ![]()
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