Electricity from potatoes - conduct a simple experiment

Electricity - this is something without which we simply can no longer do without. And how do you know it is produced from non-renewable sources of energy and renewable. But there is a third - exotic option generate electricity, for example, from potatoes. But about such an unusual source of electricity, and we'll talk.

Note. A method of producing electricity from a variety of products bears no practical use, but is only motivational materials, encourages interested young children to explore this interesting and exciting science as Physics. Therefore, distinguished experts and experienced experts, do not judge strictly this material. Perhaps someone from the parents interested, will conduct this experiment with your child and he (the child) I like to learn.

Cooking equipment

So, in order to carry out such a simple experiment, we need:

1. A few potatoes.

2. A piece of copper wire of 1.5 or 2.5 mm2 (necessarily single core) and zinc nails. If there is no zinc, it is possible to use ordinary steel nails.

3. Multimeter. And we all need to know how much stress is given by one potato.

4. Light-emitting diode. Be sure to perform an experiment with the LED light, the numbers on the multimeter is one thing, but real working LED will say something else entirely.

Experiment

Well, there is actually quite simple: take our potato and stuck her copper and zinc (iron rod).

Now with a multimeter are measuring what voltage is given by one potato.

So, we have got 0.92 in, let's try to light our red LED designed for voltages from 1.63 to 2.03 volts. In order to obtain the required voltage of the assemble battery potatoes kind of 3 tubers. And we connect them in series.

If the LED is not lit (or lights too dim), we clearly do not have enough current to increase it will add the exact same battery of potatoes, but connect them in parallel:

As you can see, it works. If you hear a question from a child: "Dad (Mom), and how it works?" - then consider this a victory. Well, now let's move on to the explanation.

How it works

By and large potato fulfills the role of a container for the electrolyte (acid-saline), which is contained in it. Sticking the two electrodes (copper and zinc (or steel)), we run the oxidation - reduction reaction at the anode surface (where the formed acidic environment) resulting in:

At the anode (zinc-reducing agent) is a process of isolation of the free electrons and the cathode (copper-oxidant) comes free electron absorption process. And if we are we close the chain by connecting, for example, a light bulb or a multimeter, then the charges will move on to create a closed circuit. That is, in an electrolytic medium starts flowing current.

The whole experiment process with the notes you can see in this video.

Note. Such an experiment you can conduct and lemons, in which case the effect will be even higher.

conclusion

Here's a simple experiment could spark genuine interest your child to study physics. If you liked this article, you will appreciate it Like, thanks to this it will see a lot more people. Thank you for your attention!