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How To

How to Make a Coin Battery

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(15 Ratings)

Electricity and power are curious entities because most kids only know that a switch or push of a button causes something to turn on. Because electricity and power are intangible and invisible, kids rarely think of the exact source. If you're looking to grab a kid's attention and teach something, make a coin-powered battery. It's a lesson they will not soon forget.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • 5 or 6 pennies
  • 5 or 6 dimes or nickels
  • Mild soap
  • Saltwater solution
  • Paper towels
  • Voltmeter or LED light with exposed wires
  1. Step 1

    Clean each coin with a solution of water with a drop or two of dishwashing detergent. The coins don't have to be shiny and new looking, just make sure to remove any debris and dirt from the coins and dry them with a towel.

  2. Step 2

    Cut the paper towels into small squares, small enough to fit under the smallest coin.

  3. Step 3

    Create a solution of saltwater by mixing about t2 tablespoons of salt into a glass or bowl of water. Use a spoon to thoroughly mix in the salt and continue to stir when the salt begins to settle to the bottom of the glass.

  4. Step 4

    Place the paper towel pieces in the saltwater solution, allowing them to soak fully.

  5. Step 5

    Layer the coins and squares of paper towels. Start with a nickel or dime, then place a piece of paper towel on top of it, followed by a penny, then another square of paper towel. Repeat the pattern until you use all coins and paper towels. Make sure the top coin is a penny and the bottom coin is a nickel.

  6. Step 6

    Touch the exposed wire ends of either a voltmeter or a LED light, which is similar to the indicator light in many electrical items showing that the item is on and receiving power. The coin battery should get a reading of at least 1 volt on the voltmeter or make the LED light turn on to show that the coin battery is generating power.

Tips & Warnings
  • If the coin battery doesn't work, try adding more coins to the stack, and verify that the wire ends are flush against both coins and retest. Make sure that the paper towel pieces are salty enough by touching them and tasting your finger. If not, soak them again in a stronger saltwater solution and repeat the layering process to make the coin battery work.
  • You can find a voltmeter or LED light at most hardware stores.
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