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  • Edited by Kyle G. and 31 others

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How to create a voltaic cell battery using a lemon.

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EditSteps

  1. Polish the zinc and a penny Step 01.jpg
    1
    Polish the zinc and a penny (a small copper coin) with sandpaper.
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  2. Squeeze lemon Step 02.jpg
    2
    Squeeze lemon without breaking its skin. The squeezing action releases juices inside the lemon.
  3. Cut the lemon Step 03.jpg
    3
    Cut two slits in the top of the lemon, 1 to 2 centimeters apart.
  4. Put coins into the cuts Step 04.jpg
    4
    Insert a penny (or copper coin) into one slit and the zinc into the other.
  5. Test to see if voltage is produced Step 05.jpg
    5
    Test to see if voltage is produced by touching leads of voltmeter to both the penny and the zinc.
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EditTips

  • You can replace the strip of zinc with a galvanized nail.
  • If you can get a copper strip instead of a penny, it will work even better. You can place it deeper into the cell. Pennies made after 1982 only have a thin layer of copper on the outside, the rest is zinc. Pennies from before 1982 and some from 1982 have a much higher copper content. You can hear the difference if you drop the pennies on a hard surface. If you have a real strip of copper, it will work better.
  • You can replace the penny with a silver or nickel coin.
  • You can replace the voltmeter with the speaker from an old transistor radio.
  • Many other replacements are possible: experiment with them.
  • This is called a wet cell; normal batteries are dry cells.
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EditWarnings

  • Always be careful when working with electricity.
  • Power in single cell isn't strong. You will require several linked together to light a light bulb (two or more cells make a battery).

EditThings You'll Need

  • Zinc strip
  • Penny (small copper coin)
  • One lemon
  • Sandpaper
  • Scissors or knife
  • Voltmeter

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EditSources and Citations

Article Info

Categories: Science for Kids

Recent edits by: Karen, Hailey Girges, Abrogation316

In other languages:

Español: Cómo crear una batería a partir de un limón, Italiano: Come Creare una Batteria con un Limone, Português: Como Criar uma Bateria com um Limão

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