Batteries
Batteries can produce electrical energy from stored chemical energy. The
usual process is to place the two metals called electrodes to the acid
solution. A chemical reaction may take place and will create electric
power.
Make it work
Batteries come in different types. Dry batteries usually have chemical
paste that separates the carbon rod from a zinc case. Wet batteries have
metal plates in liquid acid. Wet batteries uses two metals, zinc and
copper to create a current. Once the battery is placed into acid,
negative electrons move through the liquid from the copper to the zinc.
The zinc will move down the wire through the LED, and back up the wire
to the copper, completing the circuit and causing an electric flow. Some
batteries use other metals and alkaline substance to work.
To make a wet battery you will need
- glass jar
- white vinegar
- wire alligator
- clips/paper clips
- strip of zinc
- piece of copper pipe
- light emitting-diode (LED)
Procedures:
- Place the metal strips in the jar and fill it with vinegar.
Vinegar will serve as electrolyte in the battery.
- Attach the clips and wires and the bulb will light up, but
LEDs only work when wired in the right way. If it doesn't light
the first time, try to reverse the connection.
To make a battery tester you will need
- balsa wood
- cardboard
- insulated copper wire
- compass
- 2 screws and washers
- wire and clips
Procedures:
- Attach the compass to the cardboard with copper wire
then attach the ends of the wire to screws on the wooden
base.
- To test a battery, clip the wires from the battery
terminals to the screws. The compass needle will move.
You may try this with a brand-new battery, then to used
one. Check out and see the difference.
Mini batteries
You can create a coin battery using silver and copper coins. Try to
seperate a copper coin from a silver coin. Attach the wires to both
coins. Don't let the wires touch each other, but you may try to clip
them to the battery tester and see what happens. The tester will show
some reaction however the current may not be so strong.
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